The Festival of Carols is an annual event of Exeter College that will be held on 8th December (Thursday), at the Exeter Cathedral this year in the city of Exeter (Devon). The event has music from the Exeter College Chamber Orchestra, the Big Band and the Music Academy ensemble. The free event, sponsored by Lloyds Bank, encourages audience to join in the singing, which is led by the Choral Society of the college.
The Festival of Carols starts off with a spectacular candle lit procession, with guests invited to sing carols, join the prayer and listen to student’s readings. The procession is followed by John Laramy’s welcome and then by Very Reverend Dr. Jonathan Draper and Rev. Christopher Durant with their blessings and prayers.
This year’s festival is in aid of the college’s charity, the Devon Air Ambulance Trust, which aims to relieve injury and sickness in the county of Devon by providing an emergency Air Ambulance Service that can reach a scene of emergency anywhere in Devon in minutes. Donations will be collected during the fund raising at the end of the free event.
College Principal John Laramy said the festival provides an opportunity to recognise the start of the festive season, to celebrate the talent of student musicians,with the college community, readers and staff. The Anglican cathedral will open its doors to the public at 6:30pm for the free event where anyone can join in to celebrate the festive season.
