Henshaws Christmas Carol Concert Ripon Cathedral Tickets For A Festive Charity Event

There's a definite chill in the air, and that can only mean one thing: the festive season is creeping up. For anyone looking for a brilliant way to kickstart the celebrations, a special event is making a welcome return. The popular Henshaws Christmas concert is back at the stunning Ripon Cathedral after a smash-hit debut last year. It’s a proper festive concert that brings everyone together for an evening of music and cheer, all while supporting a fantastic local charity. Tickets are already on sale for what promises to be a truly magical evening. This isn't just any Christmas carol concert; it’s an event that’s packed with heart, community spirit, and incredible talent from across Yorkshire.

A magical evening is back by popular demand

After the massive success of last year's event, the choirs and musicians are warming up their vocal cords to return to Ripon Cathedral. The whole point of this festive concert is to raise money for a good cause. The charity Henshaws does life-changing work with children and adults living with sight loss and a range of other disabilities across Yorkshire. This fundraising event is a huge part of how they continue to provide that support. The Charity Festive Showcase is set for Monday 24th November, starting at 6.45 pm. It’s an evening designed to fill the amazing cathedral with music, poetry, and a real sense of community. Imagine singing carols in a place like that. It’s the perfect beginning to the festive season, blending tradition with brilliant entertainment for a fantastic charity.

An incredible line-up for a festive showcase

So, who’s going to be there? The line-up for this charity event is looking amazing. It’s a mix of different styles, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy. This festive concert will showcase some of the best of the local community. The performers include:

• Leo Hicks: A rising star singer-songwriter who is sure to bring something special.
• The Harrogate Spa Town Ukes: Who doesn't love the happy sound of a ukulele? This group is all about joyful energy and uplifting music.
• The Yorkshire Voices Choir: A powerful choir guaranteed to sound absolutely incredible under the high ceilings of Ripon Cathedral. Expect big, beautiful sounds from this dynamic choir.
• Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre Makaton Choir: Back after a show-stopping performance last year, this choir is truly something special. The Makaton Choir uses signs along with their singing, making their performance accessible and incredibly moving. It’s a perfect example of true inclusion, and people who saw them last year say there wasn't a dry eye in the house. The return of the Makaton Choir is a real highlight of this event.

This fantastic mix of acts shows just how much talent there is in the Yorkshire community, all coming together to support people with disabilities.

More than just a host: the story of Dave Steele

Holding the whole evening together will be the compere, Dave Steele. But he’s much more than just a host. Dave, a patron of Henshaws, is also known as the internationally acclaimed 'Blind Poet'. His story is incredibly inspiring. He recently released a BBC documentary called ‘The Film I’ll Never See’, which followed his journey through the final stages of sight loss. The documentary is a powerful look at how he found a new purpose through poetry. At the festive concert, Dave won’t just be hosting; he’ll be sharing some of his thought-provoking poetry throughout the magical evening. Having the Blind Poet there adds another layer of meaning to an event that supports people with sight loss and disabilities. His presence is a testament to the power of creativity and resilience, and his poetry is sure to be a highlight.

Getting into the festive spirit

This whole event is about getting together and having a good time. Guests will get to join in with some much-loved traditional carols. There’s nothing quite like a big singalong to get the festive season started. And, of course, no Christmas carol concert would be complete without some treats. There will be mulled wine and mince pies to enjoy, making the whole experience feel extra cosy and festive. On top of that, a Festive Raffle will be held, with prizes generously donated by local businesses. People can win things like family days out, bottles of wine, and even golf experiences. Every raffle ticket bought is another bit of support for the charity, making the fundraising effort fun for everyone. It’s all about creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere where the community can celebrate together.

Why buying tickets makes a real difference

Every single one of the tickets sold for this festive concert helps Henshaws carry on its amazing work. The charity provides essential services and support that empower people in the community with disabilities to live full lives. The money raised from this fundraising event goes directly towards helping people with sight loss and other challenges. So, while enjoying a magical evening of music and poetry, guests are also making a direct contribution to a vital cause. It’s a chance to have a wonderful night out that also gives back to the Yorkshire community. This support is what allows Henshaws to keep changing lives, making events like this so important for their ongoing mission of inclusion.

A word from the organisers and sponsors

The team at Henshaws is buzzing with excitement for the concert's return. Flora Simpson, the fundraising development manager at Henshaws, shared her feelings about the event:

“We are over the moon to be back with this fabulous event. The atmosphere last year was nothing short of magical, and there wasn’t a dry eye when our Makaton Choir performed. This year, we’re hoping it will be even bigger and raise a phenomenal amount for Henshaws, while bringing the community together for a night of festive celebration.”

This year's title sponsor is Ison Harrison Solicitors. Their support is a massive boost for the charity. The Harrogate branch manager, Ervin Shakaj, said:

“We are incredibly proud to support Henshaws as headline sponsor for this year’s Charity Festive Showcase. The event is a true celebration of community, inclusion, and local Yorkshire talent, and we’re delighted to play a part in bringing people together for such a meaningful cause. Henshaws’ work transforms lives across North Yorkshire, and we’re honoured to help make this magical evening possible. We look forward to joining everyone at Ripon Cathedral for a magical event that makes a meaningful difference.”

Don't miss out on what is sure to be an unforgettable evening of song, celebration, and community spirit. Make sure to get tickets and be part of this special start to the festive season at Ripon Cathedral. It’s a wonderful way to support an essential charity and enjoy a brilliant festive concert at the same time.