Exeter College’s Festival of Carols Lights Up the Cathedral with Music and Community Spirit

Exeter College proudly hosted its annual Festival of Carols on Thursday evening, uniting students, parents, and the broader Exeter community in a celebration of the festive season and a reflective conclusion to the year. The event took place in the magnificent setting of Exeter Cathedral.

The service was led by Reverend Matt Clayton, Leader of Unlimited Church and UNLTD Coffee, and Reverend Canon Chris Palmer, Canon Treasurer at Exeter Cathedral.

The evening began with welcome speeches from Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive John Laramy CBE and Reverend Canon Chris Palmer. Students then marked the opening with a candlelit procession down the nave, singing ‘Betelehemu’, a Nigerian Christmas carol.

Students sing by candelight in Exeter Cathedral

John Laramy CBE, Principal and Chief Executive at Exeter College, expressed his admiration, saying:

“I am continually amazed by the incredible talent of our students— whether they’ve sung, performed, played in the orchestra, or delivered a heartfelt reading. This year’s display of talent was truly exceptional. My heartfelt gratitude goes out to all the students and staff who made this event such a resounding success.

“The Festival of Carols offers a wonderful opportunity to mark the start of the festive season. It also creates a magical moment for us to thank our community whose partnership and support are vital to the College’s success.”

A full cathedral audience was captivated by performances from the College’s diverse array of musical groups, 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 ‘It Came Upon the Midnight Clear’, ‘Once in Royal David’s City’, and ‘The First Nowell’.

Several learners also did readings amongst many other student performances, including Lucy Beane (pictured above). Lucy is studying A Levels in Sociology, Politics and Early Modern History. Speaking about why she auditioned to read at the festival, she said;

“The historic element of being in the cathedral setting knowing that for hundreds and hundreds of years people have performed and read these verses is magical, and it’s quite remarkable to say that you’ve done something like that. It’s nice to do something festive, do something a bit Christmassy and it’s important to remember the true meaning of Christmas in this busy world that we all live in.”

Rose Gordon Clark (pictured above) also performed a reading. Rose is studying A Levels in Drama, English Literature, Sociology and Geography and hopes to pursue her love of Drama when she finishes at college. She said;

“It’s wonderful to feel part of the community. It’s so much fun, and you get to meet all these amazing people.”

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 work regularly with Pets as Therapy to provide support to students.

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

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

Festival of Carols 2021

Date: Thursday 2 December 2021
Location: Exeter Cathedral
Timings: Doors open 18.30, 19.30 start
Admission: Free with pre-booked ticket, donations to college charity Cancer Research UK welcomed

Exeter College’s annual Festival of Carols is back! We will be celebrating the start of the festive season in the stunning setting of Exeter Cathedral, complete with a candlelit procession through the nave and performances from Exeter College students, orchestra and choir.

The event is open to all but please register for your free tickets here if you would like to attend. Collection boxes will be available on the night for donations to the college’s nominated Charity of the Year, Cancer Research UK.

As a college, we are proud to support Cancer Research UK, 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 we approach the Christmas period, 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.

The Festival of Carols gives Exeter College the opportunity to get people in the Christmas spirit while raising donations for an important cause. We will be 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.

This year the Festival of Carols will be held at Exeter Cathedral on Thursday 2 December with doors opening at 18.30 for a 19.30 start.

The event will follow the latest government guidance for COVID-19 and a specific risk assessment is in place to reduce the risk of transmission for everyone’s safety. Any changes to the guidance that may affect the event will be considered, actioned and communicated accordingly.

The service is free to attend and open to anyone who would like to come along and celebrate with us. As this is a slightly different year, we will be offering free tickets through an online booking system.

If you would like to attend, please register for your free tickets here.

With thanks to Taylor Lewis for their support.

Festival of Carols 2019

Date: 5^th 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.

In addition, we are supporting Exeter Foodbank during what can be a stressful time of year for those struggling to make ends meet. 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 us.

Exeter College’s Record Breaking Festival of Carols

Exeter College is celebrating a record breaking fundraising year – raising more than £1,400 for charity – at its annual Festival of Carols.

Each year the College raises money at the event for its charity of the year as chosen by the staff and students. This year the college raised a record breaking £1,453.50 in aid of Nightstop Devon. The service took place at a packed Exeter Cathedral on Wednesday 5th December.

Sarah Lakey, Senior Community & Events Fundraiser for Nightstop Devon said:

“Nightstop provides same day emergency overnight accommodation for young homeless people, between the ages of 16-25, in the homes of volunteer hosts who have been trained and vetted. “Young people are referred to Nightstop by agencies and are risk assessed before being placed with a suitable host. Nightstop then works with the young person and other agencies to find them longer term accommodation. “Exeter College are playing a vital role in supporting Nightstop throughout 2018/2019 student year. Money raised will go towards providing 50-70 bed nights a month across Devon.”

The event, sponsored by Lloyds Bank and Pollards Print, included music from the Exeter College Chamber Orchestra, Music Academy ensemble, Big Band and Performing Arts Choir and the audience were encouraged to join in the singing led by the College’s Choral Society.

Principal John Laramy said:

“For me, the Festival of Carols always marks the start of the festive season. It provides an opportunity for our Exeter College students and staff to showcase their immense talent and skill and, as a college, it provides a moment for us to give something back to our local community, who support and work with us throughout the year.”

The Festival began with a stunning candlelit procession, followed by a welcome from college Principal John Laramy and prayers and blessings by the Dean of the Cathedral and Rev’d Christopher Durrant. Guests were invited to sing along with the carols, listen to readings by students, and join in prayer.

Photography taken by Exeter College Foundation Degree Photography students.