Henshaws Festive Showcase Raises £6,000 For Charity

You know how some things just officially kick off the Christmas feeling? For loads of people in Yorkshire, that moment happened at the stunning Ripon Cathedral. The Henshaws’ Charity Festive Showcase came back for its second year, and it was a massive success, raising over £6,000. That’s a huge deal for a local charity like Henshaws, which does incredible work supporting people with sight loss and a whole range of disabilities. This wasn't just any concert; it was a proper festive celebration packed with music, emotion, and a real sense of community spirit.

A proper festive kick-off at Ripon Cathedral

Imagine this: it's Monday, 24th November. It’s probably a bit chilly outside, but inside Ripon Cathedral, things are warming up. This isn't just a church; it's one of those massive, awe-inspiring buildings that makes you feel tiny in a good way. And on this night, it was filled with festive cheer. The event marked the start of the festive season for everyone there. The whole point of the evening was to bring people together for a brilliant concert and, most importantly, to raise money for a fantastic cause. When you get a whole community together in a place like that, you create a special kind of atmosphere. That's what community spirit is all about – everyone pulling in the same direction, enjoying a celebration while doing something genuinely good. This festive showcase was the perfect example of that spirit in action, a real Yorkshire get-together.

The sound of Christmas cheer

So, what did it actually sound like? The line-up for the concert was brilliant. There was something for everyone. A rising singer-songwriter named Leo Hicks was there, bringing his unique talent to the stage. Then, for something a bit different, The Harrogate Spa Town Ukes performed. You might not immediately think 'ukuleles and Christmas carols', but it totally works, bringing a bit of fun to the traditional concert vibe. Of course, a Christmas celebration wouldn't be complete without a proper choir, and The Yorkshire Voices Choir delivered just that, with powerful, classic carol singing.

But the performance that really got everyone was from the Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre Makaton Choir. What’s Makaton? It’s a special way of communicating using signs and symbols alongside speech. It’s designed to help people who find speaking difficult. The fact that this choir, from a centre run by the charity itself, was performing at the concert is amazing. Their performance was so moving that apparently, there wasn't a dry eye in the house. It's moments like these that show exactly what Henshaws is all about: giving people with disabilities a platform to shine. This festive celebration was a testament to their incredible support work.

More than just music

An event like this isn't just about what you hear; it's about the whole experience. The whole Festive Showcase was compered by a Henshaws Patron, Dave Steele. He’s also known as ‘The Blind Poet’, and he’s acclaimed all over the world for his spoken word performances. Throughout the evening, he shared his moving poetry, adding another layer of depth and meaning to the celebration. His experience with sight loss makes his connection to the charity personal and powerful.

And what’s a festive event without treats? Guests got to tuck into classic festive treats like mulled wine and mince pies, which is basically the taste of Christmas, isn't it? Everyone also got to join in singing some of the much-loved traditional carols. It’s one thing to listen to a choir, but it’s another thing entirely to be part of a massive singalong in a cathedral. To top it all off, there was a Festive Raffle. Local businesses had generously donated prizes, so people had the chance to win things like family days out, wine, and even golf experiences. The raffle wasn't just a bit of fun; it was another brilliant bit of fundraising that showed the amazing support from the local community.

Why this all really matters for the community

So, £6,000 is a lot of money. But where does it actually go? Every single ticket sold for the Festive Showcase, and every raffle ticket bought, goes directly to helping Henshaws continue its work. This isn't just a 'nice to have'; the charity provides essential services for people living with sight loss and other disabilities across Yorkshire.

What does that look like in real life? It means providing the right support so people can live full, independent lives. That could be anything from helping a young person with a visual impairment learn the skills they need to go to university, to running arts and crafts centres that give adults a creative outlet and a sense of community. It's about empowering people and breaking down barriers. The fundraising from events like this concert is what makes that possible.

The event's title sponsor was Ison Harrison Solicitors. Their Harrogate branch manager, Ervin Shakaj, talked about why they support the charity: “Henshaws’ work is exceptional. Their commitment to supporting people with sight-loss and other disabilities so they can live full, independent lives is inspiring. We’re proud to continue our partnership into 2026 and beyond. Their Festive Showcase perfectly captured how they foster community and bring meaningful celebration to everyone involved.”

Flora Simpson, who is the fundraising development manager at Henshaws, was thrilled with how the concert went. She said:

“The Festive Showcase raised a phenomenal amount for Henshaws, while bringing the community together for a night of festive celebration. The atmosphere was nothing short of magical.”

And that really sums it up. A magical night of festive music and poetry that started the Christmas season, brought a community together, and raised a huge amount of money to support people with disabilities. It’s a perfect example of what can be achieved when a charity, local businesses, and the public all come together for a brilliant celebration. This charity concert was more than just a performance; it was a showcase of community spirit and hope.