Dame Joanna Lumley sent a Christmas message to Good Housekeeping readers after performing at a very special Christmas carol concert on Tuesday (13 December). The performance took place at St Paul’s Cathedral hosted by The Prince’s Trust in partnership with Cunard.
Around 2,000 guests including many Good Housekeeping readers sat in candlelight as they heard Dame Joanna reading Amazing Peace: A Christmas Poem by Dr Maya Angelou.
Good Housekeeping was media partner for the event to raise funds for The Prince’s Trust to support disadvantaged young people across the UK. It was announced at the concert that the charity will become The King’s Trust.
One of the first readings was given by Tskenya-Sarah Frazer who battled mental health challenges when she was young. She joined The Prince’s Trust Enterprise programme and is now a successful entrepreneur and the founder of sustainable footwear brand, TSKENYA.
It was a magical evening of festive readings and Christmas carols with performances from acting legend Dame Vanessa Redgrave who read from A Christmas Carol. Her actor daughter Joely Richardson read People Need People by poet Benjamin Zephaniah, who sadly died earlier this month.
There were also readings by presenter and actor Sir Tony Robinson, actor David Harewood and musician and broadcaster YolanDa Brown.
Favourite carols were performed by the choir of St Paul’s Cathedral, and musician Jamie Cullum accompanied London Youth Choirs as they performed his carol How Do You Fly, in one of the most standout moments of the service.
In a special message to GH readers, Dame Joanna said:
"It has been an absolute joy to be part of the Prince's Trust Carol Concert at the spectacular St Paul's Cathedral. I cannot think of a more perfect way to welcome in the festive season while raising vital funds for young people across the UK. I am very grateful to all Good Housekeeping readers for supporting The Prince’s Trust and wish you a very Merry Christmas."
Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said it was a privilege to support the Christmas carol concert, adding: "It was a fabulous evening which has truly embodied the essence of the festive season."
There is a chance to hear musical performances from the carol concert on Classic FM. The broadcast is on 23 December at 6pm and will be available for seven days on the Global Radio Player.
To support The Prince’s Trust visit princes-trust.org.uk
