2018-11-23 16:39:34
Tickets have gone on sale for Dorchester’s highly-anticipated The Coming of Christmas concert, where acclaimed actors Juliet Stevenson CBE and Michael Pennington will be spreading seasonal goodwill in aid of Hft.
Now in its 24th year, The Coming of Christmas is a candlelit evening filled with music and readings and a much-loved highlight of Dorchester’s festive calendar.
Juliet Stevenson CBE and Michael Pennington return to Dorchester Abbey on 6 December 2018 as special guest readers at the magical event, for which the Abbey is transformed by the light of more than 1,000 candles. The evening also features music from the internationally renowned Choir of Magdalen College Oxford, conducted by Mark Williams, as well as readings inspired by the season. Mince pies and mulled wine will be served to round off the evening.
Tickets are now available to purchase and all proceeds will go to Hft’s two services in Oxfordshire, helping to ensure that local people with learning disabilities receive the practical help, support and encouragement they need to live the best life possible.
Juliet Stevenson is one of the most respected actors of her generation, well known for her work on both stage and screen. Most recently, she has starred in the feature film Let Me Go, delivered sparkling performances in Mary Stuart and as Gertrude in Hamlet , both at the Almeida, and played the leading role in Wings at the Young Vic, widely acclaimed as a tour de force.
Michael Pennington is known for films Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi, Fragile and The Iron Lady. He was a triumphant King Lear in New York and before that played Edgar in The Dance of Death in London. He is co-founder of The English Shakespeare Company and author of several books, including his recent King Lear in Brooklyn.
Jodi Harford, Divisional Fundraising Manager for Hft, said:
“Tickets are now on sale for this magical event and we’d love to see lots of people there! Not only is The Coming of Christmas a fabulous way to start the festive season, it also helps us raise much-needed funds to ensure that local people with learning disabilities live the best life possible. Our warm thanks go to Juliet Stevenson CBE, Michael Pennington and The Choir of Magdalen College, Oxford, for giving their time in what I am sure will be another wonderful evening.”
Tickets are £23 online (£25 on the door), including refreshments and a programme, and can be purchased on our events page.
Notes to editors
For further information please email media.enquiries@hft.org.uk
About Hft
Proudly established in 1962 by a group of visionary parents, Hft is a charity supporting more than 2,500 learning disabled adults in England and Wales. Together, we are creating a future where learning disabled people and their families can live the best life possible.
Providing personalised support. Creating solutions for living independently. Coming together to campaign for positive change. Fundraising for new opportunities and a bigger impact.
In 2033, we’ll live in a world where learning disabled people have greater choice. About where they live. The support they need and want. And how to spend their time and money.
Learning disability versus difficulty
A learning disability is different from a learning difficulty but the terms are often confused and used inter-changeably. A learning difficulty does not affect general intellect, whereas a learning disability is a life-long condition characterised by a reduced intellectual ability and struggle with everyday activities.
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For more information about Hft please visit www.hft.org.uk
Location: Hft Oxfordshire
