Mildmay Carol Concert 2014

Marc Almond, Anita Dobson head a star studded evening at Mildmay’s 2014 Carol Concert.

The audience who packed the church at St Botolph without Aldgate enjoyed a magical and star studded evening at Mildmay’s charity Christmas carol concert.

This is the second year that we had organised this festive fundraiser and we were delighted to have a sold out event. As soon as we had our guests confirmed, we knew this was going to be an evening to remember. The perfect way to welcome the season in style.

Our host Pam Rhodes brought the evening together with her own unique blend of warmth, precision and humour.

Marc Almond, currently touring with Jools Holland, gave his one evening off to support Mildmay. He gave two magical solo performances: ‘Do You Hear What I Hear’ and a personal favourite of his: ‘Tomorrow will be thy dancing day’. It was a truly unique opportunity to see this internationally acclaimed artist in an intimate setting.

Marc said:“The work and legacy of the Mildmay has touched the lives of so many people living with HIV. The transformative effect,not only upon people with HIV, but those around them is extraordinary and enriching in so many ways.”

Anita Dobson treated us all to warm, witty and perfectly pitched reading of ‘Jesus-A Christmas party, which brought the house down. 

Baritone Mark Llewelyn Evans gave a beautifully expressive reading of ‘Christmas’ by John Betjeman, as well as joining soprano Sally Harrison in a wonderful rendition of ‘Drummer Boy’. 

Sally Harrison’s pure tones filled the church with an enchanting performance of ‘Once In Royal David City’.

The children from St Monica’s school were just delightful, dressed up in their Christmas costumes. They sang their hearts out and there was not a dry eye in the house! 

Diversity Choir raised their beautiful voices to the rafters, and as well as performing their own repertoire, also accompanied Marc Almond.

Mark Llewelyn Evans gave a magnificant closing performance of ‘White Christmas’ and was joined by a leading violinist Kerenza and guitarist Al.

Quite a night! 

Kerry Reeves-Kneip Director of Fundraising at Mildmay said:

“We were honoured to have such prestigious support and are so grateful to all the artists who gave their time freely to perform so superbly in this joyful Christmas celebration for Mildmay. Dare we say we are already looking forward to an even bigger and better event next year!”

This was a wonderful and unforgettable evening- a veritable feast as one outstanding performance followed another.  

The perfect close to what has been a very memorable year for Mildmay, as we marked the move into our brand new purpose built HIV hospital in East London. Our new hospital has increased our inpatient beds from 16 to 26, and we now have larger and vastly improved day service facilities. We are now able to provide care, treatment and rehabilitation for even more people with complex HIV related health issues including HIV associated brain impairment.

Don’t miss next years Christmas concert and get in touch if you’d like us to let you know as soon as next years details are confirmed.

Email: info@mildmay.org