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

This year’s concert was attended by a strong lineup of celebrities and performers and raised more than £170,000 for the Armed Forces charity. Tim Peake, retired European Space Agency astronaut and Army Air Corps officer, gave a reading from Luke 1:26-35. SSAFA President, HRH Prince Michael of Kent was also in attendance.

Hermione Norris, actress known for her roles in Cold Feet and Spooks, read the classic Christmas poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore. SSAFA Controller Sir Andrew Gregory spoke about the challenges facing the Armed Forces community, and how those in the audience could continue to support SSAFA to help reach those battling their problems alone.

Clare Bain, SSAFA Mentoring Services Manager, spoke about the lifesaving support that Mentors provide. She told the touching story of Lee and Laurence to illustrate how Mentors are more than just someone to reach out to for help: they can become a friend for life.

Clare said this about the Armed Forces community: “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 the evening as well. Friederike Krum, German mezzo-soprano, sang “Laudate Dominum” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Soprano singer Sofia Kirwan-Baez, half-Venezuelan and half-British, performed “Lully, Lulla (Coventry Carol)” as well as “Esta Bella Noche”, one of her favourite Christmas songs.

The Band of the Scots Guards and the Chapel Choir also took part in the evening’s festivities, combining with the evening’s performances and readings to provide a fully 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.