Preview of Spirit of Christmas concert at Chester Cathedral

Nov 24 2011 by Jo Henwood, Chester Chronicle

CHRISTMAS will get off to a cracking start when a host of stars from stage and screen descend on Chester Cathedral for the 16th Spirit of Christmas carol concert in Chester Cathedral.

Over the years, the Chester event has attracted star names such as Carey Mulligan, Alan Rickman and Jim Broadbent.

This year, fresh from below stairs at Downton Abbey, Jim Carter (Mr Carson) and Lesley Nicol (Mrs Patmore) will be joined by Jodie Whittaker, who starred alongside Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess in the summer’s hit romantic drama One Day and Wirral’s Jan Ravens, who has recently finished a national tour of her one-woman show A Funny Look at Impressions.,

Hosted by actor and TV presenter Matthew Kelly the concert, on Friday, December 2, raises money for the Neuromuscular Centre (NMC) in Winsford which provides vital services and employment for people with muscular dystrophy across the North West and beyond.

Muscular dystrophy is a condition which progressively weakens muscles and for most people this means getting on with life in a wheelchair.

The centre receives virtually no government funding and costs £700,000 a year to run.

Last year’s event raised more than £20,000.

Tickets are available from £10 up to £50 (includes a champagne reception with celebrities) from 01606 861733, email claire.bolton@nmcentre.com or buy online at www.chestercathedral.com.