A festive fundraiser for Mencap

Wednesday 12 November 2008

A host of celebrity guests including newsreader Mary Nightingale, actress Ruthie Henshall, and bestselling novelist Penny Vincenzi are to attend a Christmas carol concert in aid of learning disability charity Mencap.

The trio will perform festive readings at the charity's annual Carols by Candlelight concert held on 4 December at the magnificent Priory Church of St Bartholomew the Great - one of London's oldest and most spectacular churches.

Guests will enjoy traditional Christmas carols followed by drinks and canapés in the cloisters of the church.

Dame Jo Williams, Mencap's chief executive, said:

"Mencap's Carols by Candlelight
is a wonderful event.  The spectacular surroundings of St Bartholomew creates a fantastic atmosphere during the service.

"The money raised will go towards supporting thousands of people with a learning disability to live their lives with freedom, independence and dignity."

In past years, Mencap ambassadors, Will Young and Radio 1 DJ Jo Whiley, have attended the event.

Tickets are available now and cost £30.  For more information on how to book visit http://www.mencap.org.uk/ or contact Kate Tintner on 020 7696 5547 or kate.tintner@mencap.org.uk.

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For further information please contact Lucy Hannagan, Mencap press office, lucy.hannagan@mencap.org.uk, 020 7696 6017

Notes to editors

• Mencap's Carols by Candlelight will be held at the Priory Church of St Bartholomew the Great, Smithfield, London, EC1
• The service will begin at 6.30pm