SSAFA Carol Concert delivers a jolly evening to all

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05 December 2024

On Wednesday 4 December, SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity hosted its annual Christmas Carol Concert, which takes place at the iconic Guard’s Chapel, Wellington Barracks in central London.

This year’s concert, which was attended SSAFA’s President HRH Prince Michael of Kent alongside other well-known faces, raised more than £170,000 for the Armed Forces charity.

A range of performances throughout the evening, from readings to a Soprano singer, kept the crowd engaged and entertained throughout.

Retired European Space Agency astronaut and Army Air Corps Officer, Tim Peake, read Luke 1:26-35 while actress Hermione Norris, known for her roles in Cold Feet and Spooks, delivered the Christmas poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore.

SSAFA’s Controller, General (retd) Sir Andrew Gregory KBE CB DL, took to the pulpit to speak about a range of challenges our Armed Forces community faces, and how SSAFA stands by helping them for the very long haul.

An honest and thought-provoking speech by Clare Bain about the work she does as SSAFA’s Mentoring Services Manager left audience members visibly emotional. When explaining the lifesaving support that SSAFA Mentors provide, Clare told the touching story of beneficiary Lee and mentor Laurence to illustrate how SSAFA Mentors are more than just a person to speak to: they become support through life, there for successes and to give a guiding hand in difficult times.

Clare’s passion about the work she delivers shone through: “Families come in all shapes and sizes: those who have served or are still serving will tell you the military is one of theirs. Just because someone stops wearing their uniform, it doesn’t mean we stop caring for them.”

There were standout performances from Friederike Krum, a German mezzo-soprano who sang “Laudate Dominum” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Sofia Kirwan-Baez, half-Venezuelan and half-British soprano singer, performed “Lully, Lulla (Coventry Carol)” and “Esta Bella Noche”, one of her favourite Christmas songs.

The Band of the Scots Guards and the Chapel Choir gave moving performances throughout the evening to provide an enchanting musical experience tailored to the holiday season. Following the concert guests were invited to a reception in the Officer’s Mess, bringing the festive evening to a close.