Exeter College proudly presented its annual Festival of Carols this Thursday evening, bringing together students, parents, and the wider Exeter community to celebrate the start of the festive season and a reflective close to the year, in the spectacular setting of Exeter Cathedral.  

The service was officiated by Reverend Matt Clayton, Leader of Unlimited Church and The Reverend Canon Cate Edmonds, Canon Steward at Exeter Cathedral.  

The festival was opened with welcome addresses from Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive John Laramy CBE and The Reverend Canon Cate Edmonds, Canon Steward at Exeter Cathedral. Students then processed down the nave with a candlelit procession, singing ‘Wenceslas Canon’. 

John Laramy CBE, Principal and Chief Executive at Exeter College, said:  

“I am once again in awe of the talent of our students, from those who have performed in a choir or orchestra, to those who have delivered a reading. This year the diversity of the talent on show was truly mesmerising.  My thanks go to all our performers, readers and staff who have contributed to this event being such a success. 

“After a spectacular start to the academic year, the Festival of Carols provides the perfect moment to reflect on what we have achieved and to thank those in our community who are critical to the success of the college.” 

A packed cathedral enjoyed performances from the College’s wide range of choirs and orchestras, including the Exeter College Student Choir, Exeter College Orchestra, Performing Arts Cathedral Choir, Exeter College Big Band, The Hill Choir and The Exeter College Festival Ensemble.  

Guests were treated to well-loved classics such as ‘All on a Silent Night’, ‘Once in Royal David’s City’, and ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’. 

Several learners also did readings amongst many other student performances, including Laura Eggins, Higher Education (HE) Student Governor, who is studying for a Foundation Degree in Business. She decided to stay on at the College after completing a Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship earlier this year. She said; 

“I’m in my second year now and I have just amazed myself at how well I did last year and how I have added to my experience, which was part of the reason for applying to be HE student governor.” 

Laura is hoping to stay on next year to complete the BA in Business Management. She says she hasn’t decided what to do next although she is thinking about training organisations in how to support visually impaired people, like herself.  

“The support at College has been amazing, even when I have had to teach staff about my visual impairment, all my lecturers have been really supportive and the Higher Education Advice Team too.  I get extra support through the Disabled Student Allowance, staff helped me set that up and with that support, I have really come out of my shell. My confidence has really grown.” 

Lucy Joyce completed her A Levels with Exeter College in the summer and is now a Level 3 Business Administration Apprentice, working within the Apprenticeship Hub at Exeter College. Speaking about why she auditioned to do a reading, she said; 

“Part of my college course is about personal goals and one of mine is public speaking, I’ve got quite a few presentations coming up, so I thought this would work nicely alongside it and help build my confidence.” 

Speaking about her Apprenticeship, Lucy said; 

“I’m really enjoying it, it’s practical and it fits nicely into my work. I really enjoy working in my team, it’s a nice community to be a part of.” 

Troy De La Fosse is studying for a PGCE and works within the Art and Design Faculty at Exeter College. Troy previously studied for a Foundation Degree in Fine Art, eight years ago at Exeter College and hopes to one day teach at the College. Speaking about reading at the Festival of Carols, he said; 

“It’s my second time studying at the College and I enjoy performing arts and thought it was a great opportunity to give back to the College. I’m really excited, I think it going to be a great evening.” 

Speaking about his experience at College, Troy said; 

“The support has been fantastic, I have a great mentor, I work in a great department, and everyone is really friendly, helpful and inclusive and I work with great students as well. 

“I would 100% recommend Exeter College. I applied quite late so I feel like they took a chance on me and without Exeter College I wouldn’t be where I am now.”  

This charitable event, while free to attend, raises funds for a different nominated charity each year. This time Exeter College chose to support Pets As Therapy (PAT). Pets As Therapy is a national charity that enhances the health and wellbeing of thousands of people in communities across the UK. They strive to ensure that everyone, no matter their circumstances, has access to the companionship of an animal. The College is very lucky to have its own Pets as Therapy Dog, Digby, who works with the Wellbeing Team to support student and staff mental health while at college. You can still donate here.

 

You can see more photos from the event on our Facebook page.

Thank you to Emily Wilson-Manfield for the beautiful artwork used for the Festival of Carols Programme. Emily is studying the Level 3 UAL Extended Diploma in Creative Practice; Art, Design and Communication. 

This year’s Festival of Carols was kindly sponsored by Taylor Lewis, Peninsula Project Consulting and Pollards Print.