Exeter College's Festival of Carols set to kick off Christmas

Date: 5th December 2019 

Location: Exeter Cathedral 

Timings: Doors open 6.30pm, 7.30pm start 

Admission: Free, donations to college charities welcomed 

Exeter College’s annual Festival of Carols will be kicking off Christmas in the stunning setting of Exeter Cathedral, complete with performances from college students; all in the name of charity.  

The evening starts with a candle lit procession through the nave followed by performances from Exeter College students, orchestra and choir. The event is free to attend but collection boxes will be available for donations to the college’s two nominated charities of the year; Cancer Research UK and Exeter Foodbank. 

Each year, Exeter College supports charitable initiatives with fundraising efforts throughout the academic year and this year’s two nominated charities of the year are Cancer Research UK and Exeter Foodbank.  

Cancer Research UK is the world’s largest charity dedicated to saving lives through research.  The charity’s main vision is to bring forward the date when all cancers are cured, funding pioneering research into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of all strains of the disease.  

As the Christmas period approaches, the Festival of Carols represents an opportunity to support patients and their families during what can be an especially difficult time of year for those suffering with cancer.  

Exeter Foodbank helps those in need with nutritionally balanced emergency food for local people who are referred to their services. The project was founded in 2008 by local churches and community groups, working together to stop hunger in the Exeter area.  

The Festival of Carols gives Exeter College the opportunity to boost donations to the charities of the year but also gets people in the Christmas spirit by showcasing some of the exceptional talents of students across a number of faculties, including Foundation Studies, Media and Performing Arts and from the college’s Centre of Music and Performance.  

John Laramy, Principal of Exeter College said, “The Festival of Carols provides an opportunity for us to recognise the start of the festive season and celebrate the talent of our student musicians, readers, staff and college community. 

“The event also serves as an opportunity for the local community to join together and support some great charitable causes while getting into the spirit of Christmas.” 

This year the Festival of Carols will be held on Thursday 5th December with doors opening at 6.30pm.  

The service is free to attend and open to anyone who would like to come along and celebrate with Exeter College.