The Legion has started the Yuletide festivities in style, with
guests joining us at the magnificent Guildhall in London for our
Christmas Celebration.
This annual event, run by the Legion's Special Events team, has
become so popular - selling out months in advance - that it was
held over two nights this year on 13-14 December. Guests
enjoyed a varied programme of traditional carols, seasonal
music and words of celebration, providing great entertainment as
well as an opportunity to help raise vital funds for the Legion's
welfare work for serving and ex-Service people and their
families.
The stunning setting in
this 800-year-old medieval jewel added to the atmosphere as guests
enjoyed festive readings from celebrity supporters including Sir
Timothy Ackroyd, Downton Abbey's Brendan Coyle, Sarah Badel,
Bernard Cribbins, BBC correspondent Frank Gardner, Nerys Hughes and
Charles Dance. Carol Vorderman hosted the first night, with
Legion stalwart supporter Alastair Stewart taking the reins on the
second evening.
The concert also featured the world renowned Bach Choir,
conducted by David Hill, and the Central Band of The Royal British
Legion, led by our irrepressible Director of Music, David
Cole. A capella group All Angels performed beautiful versions
of Mr Sandman and White Christmas.
Guests on the second night who attended the gala dinner after
the concert, bought raffle tickets and took part in an auction to
buy an original painting by Darren Baker, the artist who produced
the portrait of Her Majesty The Queen for our 90th Anniversary,
contributing to the estimated total raised of £150,000.
Head of Special Events Teresa Greener said: "The compliments we
receive from guests show that the event gives our supporters a
great start to Christmas."
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