Sentebale hosts first Christmas Carol Service
Alicia Lowes sings Hallelujah, Leonard Cohen
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Sentebale hosted its first Christmas Carol Service at St Mary, The Boltons Church in London on Thursday 11th December.
Following on from the Sentebale Polo Cup in Abu Dhabi in November and the #FeelNoShame World AIDS Day Campaign on the 1st December, the evening was an opportunity for all who attended to enjoy the Christmas festivities whilst remembering those vulnerable children far away in Lesotho who continue to fight against HIV/AIDS and extreme poverty.
Jenny Agutter reads Christmas, by Sir John Betjeman
Ben Pruchnie/Getty Images
Guests enjoyed readings from actresses Jenny Agutter and Laura Main, stars of the BBC award-winning television series Call the Midwife, and TV presenter for Sky Sports F1, Natalie Pinkham. Guests were treated to singing from the angelic soprano voice, Alicia Lowes who stunned the congregation with Once In Royal David’s City sung by the organ in the eaves of the church as well as a rendition of Hallelujah.
The children’s choir from Redcliffe School entertained the audience with the delightful ‘Sheep’ carol which is based upon a conversation between two shepherds on their way to Bethlehem to meet baby Jesus. The service was followed by drinks, sausage rolls and mince pies provided the Brown Cow, Sands End and Cross Keys pubs. Guests also had the opportunity to win gifts from under the Smythson Christmas Tree.
Sentebale founding patron, Prince Harry, was also in attendance and enjoyed meeting the performers including the children from Redcliffe School.
Prince Harry meets the choir from Redcliffe School
The money raised at the event will go to ensuring many more vulnerable children in Lesotho get the access to the care and education they need to lead a healthy and fulfilling lives.
The evening was kindly supported by Savills, Smythson, Brown Cow, Sands End and Cross Keys pubs, Pines and Needles, and Bird & Davis Ltd and we would like to thank all of our guests who joined us.
