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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. 

Exeter College Students Perform to Fully Booked Cathedral for Annual Festival of Carols

The Exeter College annual Festival of Carols brings together students, parents, and the wider Exeter community to celebrate the start of the festive season and the year drawing to a close. Last night saw the event return to the beautiful setting of Exeter Cathedral once more.  

The service was officiated by the Prebendary Nigel Guthrie, Vicar of St David, and St Michael and The Very Reverend Jonathan Greener, Dean of Exeter. 

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

“After a busy start to our academic year, the Festival of Carols is the perfect opportunity to reflect on all we have achieved so far and to enjoy the musical performances from our supremely talented students. It is always a pleasure to hear readings from a wide variety of students too. 

“It is also an important event for raising vital funds and I am delighted that this year we were able to support Devon Air Ambulance. Thank you to everyone who gave generously. I am sure that we all appreciate the challenging work they do all over Devon.” 

The festival was opened with welcome addresses from Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive John Laramy CBE and the Dean of Exeter and was followed by the candlelit procession. 

The audience then enjoyed a selection of classical music from the Exeter College Orchestra, as well as a show-stopping performance of ‘Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!’.  

Exeter College Orchestra
The Choir Leads the Carols

Several learners did readings amongst many other student performances, including Therese Walsh, who is studying A Levels in English Literature, Film Studies and Politics. She read John 1. 1-14. She has really enjoyed her studies at Exeter College so far and said; 

“I am nervous but excited. It’s a really great event every year so it is really cool to be taking part this year.” 

Emily Wilson-Manfield, a first year Art and Graphics student who performed with the big band, said;

“It’s an exciting chance to be involved with the music community at the college and the wider local community – I’m really looking forward to being part of it.”

This charitable event, while free to attend, raises funds for a different nominated charity each year. This time Exeter College has chosen to support a cause close to home: the Devon Air Ambulance Trust. Generous donations were made by attendees, which will go towards funding Devon’s two air ambulances. These life-saving crafts provide life-saving interventions in the more inaccessible parts of Devon. 

Foundation Learning and Support Choir Perform “Silent Night”

Thank you to Sheykie Campbell, a Design and Communication student studying the Level 3 UAL (University of the Arts London) Extended Diploma in Creative Practice Art, for the brilliant artwork used for the Festival of Carols Programme (below). 

Festival of Carols Programme Artwork

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

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.

Exeter College Festival of Carols Raises Money for Charities

Students, parents, staff and the Exeter community joined together to celebrate Christmas at Exeter College’s Festival of Carols in the stunning setting of Exeter Cathedral, all in the name of charity.  

“It has been great to see the Exeter community come together for a great cause and get in the spirit of Christmas,”

John Laramy, Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive

The annual event celebrated the college’s exceptionally talented students, with performances from the Exeter College orchestra, as well as student choirs and piano and vocal duets.  

In addition to starting Christmas celebrations, the Festival of Carols raised important funds for the college’s two nominated charities for the academic year, Cancer Research UK and Exeter Foodbank. 

A grand total of £1297.19 was raised, all going towards two incredibly worthwhile causes.  

The evening started with a welcome address from Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive John Laramy before a candlelit student procession through the nave.  

Students from across the college’s curriculum also did readings and the service was officiated by Prebendary Nigel Guthrie of St David’s Church and The Reverend Canon Cate Edmonds of Exeter Cathedral.  

Speaking after the event, John Laramy said, “This was an incredible celebration, showcasing the talents of some of our fantastic musicians and performers. More importantly, we have raised some vital money for our two charities of the year during what can be a difficult time of year for people who are fighting cancer or poverty. 

“It has been great to see the Exeter community come together for a great cause and get in the spirit of Christmas.” 

The event marks the last in the calendar year for Exeter College, as preparations continue in 2020 to celebrate the college’s 50 years as the UK’s first tertiary college, although their roots date back to the 1800s. Celebration events will be taking place throughout the year, showcasing the inspirational students, staff and alumni who have formed a part of the college’s 50 years as a tertiary college.

Festival of Carols 2019

  • Date: 5th 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. 

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.  

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.  

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