Food For London Now: Stars bring Christmas cheer at carol concert raising money to feed those in need

Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Jack Whitehall, Cressida Bonas and Craig David were among stars of a carol concert to raise money for our Christmas appeal. They took part in the Fayre of St James’s concert last night for our appeal partner, The Felix Project. It was held virtually for the first time because of the pandemic.

Waller-Bridge gave a reading of the song I Want A Hippopotamus for Christmas, while Bonas read Snow by Louis MacNeice in a recording from St James’s Church in Piccadilly which normally hosts the annual event.

Emeli Sandé, James Bay and the London Youth Choir each gave a performance to an online audience of nearly 2,000 at the evening organised by the Quintessentially Foundation.

They joined other celebrities including The Vampire Diaries star Ian Somerhalder, Simon Cowell and Poppy Delevingne who all gave a reading. Some stars appeared from the church while others took part remotely.

Stephen Fry, who hosted the evening, told the Standard: “It is terrific to be supporting these charities during Christmas.

“We’re aware of how difficult this year has been for those already disadvantaged by all kinds of problems — it is wonderful that Londoners and all those across the country have come together in this city to remember those who need us most.”

Bonas said she was “delighted” to be able to take part in the concert to raise money in aid of two charities “who are helping those most vulnerable in our society in a year when food poverty and insecurity has affected so many”.

As part of our Food For London Now campaign, Felix alongside With Compassion delivered 40,000 meals in time for Diwali as people across the country were unable to celebrate with their loved ones due to Covid-19 restrictions.

The Quintessentially Foundation has so far raised more than £280,000 through the carol concert and an online silent auction which ends on December 10.

The amount raised has beaten the initial target of £250,000 but stars are urging the public to continue bidding.

Auction lots include a weekend retreat at the Daylesford Organic Farm, The Wild Rabbit and Bamford Wellness Spa, a trip to Scotland including an 18-hole round of golf at Gleneagles and a Fortnum & Mason St Nicholas Hamper. Bid at app.galabid.com/fosj/items.

The evening was in aid of The Felix Project, which has delivered millions of meals to those in need, and The Childhood Trust, which funds charities supporting children living in poverty.

Let’s Feed London Now!

With our sister title The Independent, we are getting food to those who need it: children, families, the homeless and NHS workers. Every £30 donated will deliver 165 meals to the most vulnerable hit by the crisis. Please donate here to help ensure no Londoner goes hungry this Christmas.

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