The Lord Mayor prepares for festive Community Carol Concert

Following some 400 older residents enjoying the annual Christmas Cheer receptions held last week, another festive treat from the Lord Mayor of York is being prepared.

The receptions have been held every year since the mid-1950s and are free to the residents who attend. They are funded in part by York’s annual Community Carol Concert.

This year’s Community Carol Concert will be held at York Barbican on Sunday 15 December at 2pm, and funds raised will be used to support 2025’s Christmas Cheer event which the Lord Mayor will attend.

This years’ Community Carol Concert promises to be a great afternoon and will feature the renowned York RI Golden Rail Band, Knavesmire Primary School and Heworth Community Choir, along with York’s own international award-winning cabaret star Ian Stroughair.

The memorable festive event will be hosted by Rev Andrew Foster and broadcaster Adam Tomlinson, and the community carols will be conducted by Musical Director Mike Pratt.

The Hon, The Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Margaret Wells, said: “Having enjoyed this year’s Christmas Cheer reception alongside nearly 400 York residents, I know how important it is to them and the joy it brings. Please do join us at the wonderful Community Carol Concert as your attendance will help ensure that more older York people can have fun at the Christmas Cheer events in 2025.”

This year’s Christmas Cheer receptions were held on 4 December at the Assembly Rooms, The Lord Mayor of York Cllr Margaret Wells and the civic party welcomed guests who were served with sandwiches, cake and mince pies. All were entered into a raffle with prizes generously donated by local businesses. During the carol singing, the civic party was invited to sing the opening verse of “Away in a Manger” unaccompanied, which received warm applause.

The guests were also entertained by Clifton Green Primary School choir and the Shepherd Brass Band Quintet in the morning event, and Lord Deramore’s Primary School choir with the York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir leading the community singing in the afternoon.

To attend the fun and fundraising Community Carol Concert on Sunday 15 December at 2pm, please book your tickets at £9 and £7 from the York Barbican box office, or online at www.yorkbarbican.co.uk.