Christmas concert raise vital funds for Clatterbridge Cancer Charity

More than 500 people gathered at Liverpool’s Metropolitan Cathedral for a special carol concert to help people with cancer in our region.

The festive celebration for Clatterbridge Cancer Charity, was hosted by legendary entertainer Pete Price, and featured Wirral Orchestra and Choir, Wirral Pipe Band, mezzo-soprano Kathryn Rudge and world-renowned artist Emma Rodgers.

It raised £6,822, which will boost patient care and research at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust.

The evening had an added poignant touch, with members of the audience making dedications to family and friends touched by cancer as part of the annual Fairy Appeal. Handwritten dedications were also hung from a Christmas tree in the Cathedral.

The concert opened with a showstopping performance of Highland Cathedral by the Wirral Pipe Band before Pete Price welcomed the audience and introduced Kathryn Rudge and the choir to sing In the Bleak Mid-winter.

The orchestra performed the seasonal favourite Parade of the Tin Soldiers, and a singalong followed of Hark! The Herald Angels Sing. Silas Jones entertained with a moving solo pipe rendition of O Come, O Come Emmanuel, and Kathryn Rudge sang a spine-tingling version of O Holy Night.

Charity Patron and artist Emma Rodgers read The Road to Fairyland, a nod to her outstanding work in designing the Clatterbridge Cancer Charity Fairy for the annual festive appeal for the last five years.

The evening concluded with a mesmerising solo performance of White Christmas by Kathryn Rudge, followed by Pete Price and youngsters from the audience conducting the orchestra for the Radetzky March.

Then, the audience were piped out of the cathedral to classic Christmas song Mull of Kintyre.

Santa even made an appearance with his elves.

Antony Jones, Community Fundraising Manager for Clatterbridge Cancer Charity, said:

“It was wonderful to see so many people come together in support of Clatterbridge at this special time of year.

“Wirral Pipe Band gave us a rousing taste of the Scottish Highlands to start proceedings. Mezzo Soprano, and charity patron Kathryn Rudge enchanted concertgoers young and old with her beautiful singing.

“Conductor Neill Jackson and the Wirral Orchestra and Choir took us on a magical sleigh ride of Christmas favourites, accompanied by Dr Colin Porter on organ. 

“And of course we are so thankful to Emma Rodgers for her dedication to our charity and its work, and for reading beautifully.

“Pete Price was the host with the most, ensuring everyone had a fantastic evening. Together, they gave us a night to remember.

“Also, a thank you to Tesco Community Champions who provided fantastic raffle prizes and helped us during the evening. Thank you!”

You still have time to dedicate a Fairy to someone special this Christmas here.

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