Diverse Abilities, Dorset’s disability charity, hosts its annual Christmas Carol Concert at St. Peter’s Church, Bournemouth, on Wednesday, December 15.

The evening, supported by Colten Care, will be hosted by Blair Crawford, the founder and president of Hope FM. Special guest speakers on the evening include Valerie Singleton OBE, best known for her work across television on shows such as Blue Peter, and Maggie ‘The Seaside Baker’, the local resident featured on this year’s series of The Great British Bake Off.

Doors open at 6pm and attendees can expect festive performances and entertainment from Sound of Soul, one of the South’s leading choirs, Stuart ‘The Piano Man’ Anderson, and Verwood’s Emmanuel Middle School. 

Karen from Sound of Soul commented: “Sound of Soul are a friendly group that specialises in pop, soul, Motown and gospel music, we’re so excited to be back performing live this year. Diverse Abilities is a wonderful charity and we’re really looking forward to bringing some of our favourite Christmas numbers (old and new) to the Carol Concert.”

To celebrate the beginning of the festive season, Diverse Abilities has reduced its ticket prices. Adult tickets are £10 (normally £15), child tickets are free (normally £7.50), and a family ticket (two adults, two children) is £20 (normally £40), with all funds raised going to Diverse Abilities, Dorset’s disability charity.

The event will also be run in a COVID-friendly manner, given the recent government guideline changes, and this will evolve in the lead up to the event as the situation develops. Attendees are asked to wear masks, unless exempt, and seating will be spaced out.

Josh Graham, events co-ordinator at Diverse Abilities, added: “Our Carol Concert is just around the corner and it’s the perfect opportunity to start feeling festive in the run up to the big day. Come along with friends, family, or colleagues and have a fabulously festive time while support children and adults with disabilities in Dorset.”

Visit diverseabilities.org.uk/carolconcert or call 01202 711502 to book tickets.