Place2Be raises £108,000 at 2025 Carol Concert

We are thrilled to share that this year’s concert raised an incredible £108,000, which will help fund Place2Be’s vital mental health services in schools across the UK. This generous support could enable us to work in 10 new schools or provide 6,750 counselling sessions for children and young people.

A Night to Remember

The evening featured a spectacular line-up of performers and readers, curated by beloved author, broadcaster and Place2Be Ambassador Sophie Dahl, who brought festive joy and reflection to our audience.

Guests were welcomed by a fanfare from the church quartet before the church choir opened with “Once in Royal David’s City”.

Place2Be Champion YolanDa Brown was the host of the evening and introduced the first reading by acclaimed actor Dominic West, followed by award-winning mezzo-soprano and Place2Be Champion Laura Wright’s beautiful performance of The Christmas Song and a carol. Laura then shared a touching video of children’s rehearsals and interviews.

A highlight of the evening was the Allen Edwards Primary School Choir, who charmed the audience with “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Feliz Navidad,” and a magical duet of “Walking in the Air” with Laura Wright. Paloma Faith delivered a captivating reading, YolanDa performed with her band, and Laura Dockrill shared a moving piece before Elif Morales, a parent and Place2Be Counsellor on Placement, spoke about Place2Be’s impact.

The finale featured jazz sensation Jamie Cullum’s show-stopping set, including a surprise duet with Paloma Faith. The night closed with “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” led by the church choir and Laura Wright, leaving guests uplifted and full of festive spirit.

Watch Allen Edwards Primary School preparing for their Carol Concert performance

Thank you to our supporters

This magical evening would not have been possible without the dedication of our Carol Concert Committee, chaired by Penny Sainsbury, and supported by Carole Annett, Amelia Bardot, Lizzie Baxter, Tanya Baxter, Jonathon Bloom, Andrew Mitchell, and Xa Rodger.

We are grateful to our generous sponsors:

• Cadogan
• Marshall Wace
• The Knightsbridge Estate
• Verve Concepts
• Nicolaisen Invest
• Berkeley Estate Asset Management
• Peridot PR
• Grant J Bates

Couldn’t attend?

If you missed the concert, you can still support Place2Be and enjoy the event from home. Make a donation and receive access to a recording of the evening, available for viewing for up to two weeks after the event: