15 December 2011
The Legion has started the Yuletide festivities in style, with guests joining us at the magnificent Guildhall in London for our Christmas Celebration.
This annual event, run by the Legion's Special Events team, has become so popular - selling out months in advance - that it was held over two nights this year on 13-14 December. Guests enjoyed a varied programme of traditional carols, seasonal music and words of celebration, providing great entertainment as well as an opportunity to help raise vital funds for the Legion's welfare work for serving and ex-Service people and their families.
The stunning setting in this 800-year-old medieval jewel added to the atmosphere as guests enjoyed festive readings from celebrity supporters including Sir Timothy Ackroyd, Downton Abbey's Brendan Coyle, Sarah Badel, Bernard Cribbins, BBC correspondent Frank Gardner, Nerys Hughes and Charles Dance. Carol Vorderman hosted the first night, with Legion stalwart supporter Alastair Stewart taking the reins on the second evening.
The concert also featured the world renowned Bach Choir, conducted by David Hill, and the Central Band of The Royal British Legion, led by our irrepressible Director of Music, David Cole. A capella group All Angels performed beautiful versions of Mr Sandman and White Christmas.
Guests on the second night who attended the gala dinner after the concert, bought raffle tickets and took part in an auction to buy an original painting by Darren Baker, the artist who produced the portrait of Her Majesty The Queen for our 90th Anniversary, contributing to the estimated total raised of £150,000.
Head of Special Events Teresa Greener said: "The compliments we receive from guests show that the event gives our supporters a great start to Christmas."
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