Annual Carol Concert set to bring festive cheer to Newmarket

Racing Welfare’s annual Christmas Carol Concert will this year take place on Wednesday 14^th December, once again at its traditional Tattersalls home.

The Newmarket Town Band will be joined by school choirs from All Saints CE Primary School, Ditton Lodge Primary School and Newmarket Academy who will fill the main sales ring with festive song. Guests will also be treated to two solo performances from star act, Lilli Edwards.

As well as enjoying the carol service, ticket holders will be invited to take part in a cash raffle, with wonderful prizes donated by local businesses. Father Christmas and his ponies will also make an appearance during the evening.

The family-friendly event raises vital funds for the charity’s chaplaincy service, a service that supports people working in the horseracing industry in times of pain, loss, trauma or need. The concert will be introduced by Pastor Simon Bailey, racing’s chaplain, and a familiar face to many in the town.

Simon said: “The carol concert is of one of the highlights of the year for me. I love seeing the local community, schools and the horseracing industry come together at such a special time of year. I am always extremely grateful for the partnership between Sports Chaplaincy UK and Racing Welfare, and this event further highlights the important work that we do together to support racing’s people.”

Tickets for the event are just £7 for adults and free for under 12s.  Doors open at 6.15pm for a 6.45pm start. Adult tickets include a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie on arrival.  Book tickets at Racing Welfare’s website.

Chaplaincy Service to Horseracing:

Racing staff can access support from the Chaplaincy Service to Horseracing, regardless of their religious beliefs, or lack of them. The service provides support to individuals or to entire workplaces, at times of pain, loss, anxiety, trauma or need.

The service was first introduced in 2000, in partnership with Sports Chaplaincy UK, increasing support options available to stud, stable and support staff working in the Newmarket area. In 2014, this was expanded and Pastor Simon Bailey was appointed as the National Chaplain to Horseracing to build a pastoral care team for the support of racing staff throughout the UK. The service now has a further four chaplains in place throughout the country.

The British racing industry, along with other sports such as football and rugby, has been innovative in introducing this access to pastoral care. There are over 300 sports chaplains in the UK and Ireland, providing emotional and spiritual care to those involved in professional and amateur sport.

For further information go to: https://racingwelfare.co.uk/mental-health/chaplaincy/