The award-winning Lincolnshire-based actor, who has appeared in the Dark Knight and Dr Who, has been announced as the guest of honour for this year’s carol concert in aid of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.
Held at the breathtaking Lincoln Cathedral on Monday 30th November, the festivities have been organised to benefit the local Armed Forces community – of which there are around 58,000 veterans and 8,000 serving personnel and their families living within Lincolnshire.
Photo credited to: Cpl Sally Raimondo, RAF
Returning for its second year, the “Home for Christmas” service, will honour the local Armed Forces community and their families. Alongside a reading from Colin McFarlane, concertgoers will once again be treated to festive performances from the Cranwell Military Wives Choir as well as children from the Cranwell Primary School Choir.
Lasting for about an hour, the service will also feature readings from the High Sheriff of Lincolnshire Sue Liburd MBE, an RAF Chaplain from one of the neighbouring bases and Lady Walmsley, the SSAFA National Vice Chair.
Jim Evans, Branch Chair for SSAFA Lincolnshire, commented:
“We’re thrilled to be returning to Lincoln Cathedral this year for SSAFA’s second ‘Home for Christmas’ carol service. This event a great way to kick off the festive season by bringing Lincoln together to celebrate the power of community – we look forward to welcoming all who are keen to support our local veterans, serving personnel and their families.”
Award-winning actor and SSAFA supporter, Colin McFarlane, who grew up on RAF bases in Lincolnshire, added:
“Growing up as a military child, I know all too well how important it is to rally around those who may be away from their family and loved ones at Christmas. My father Sidney is now 91, and had an impressive career in the RAF, spanning three decades, which saw him go on to receive an MBE for his services to the Armed Forces, and he still lives here in Lincoln where he retired. I am delighted he will be able to attend this special evening.”
“I love returning to my hometown and I am proud to be able to play a part in the SSAFA Lincolnshire Christmas Carol concert to represent families like my own, and to pause for a moment of reflection for their sacrifices at a time of year when being together is so, so important.”
The iconic Lincoln Cathedral is located on Minster Yard, Lincoln LN2 1PX. Doors will open on Monday 30th November at 7pm, before the first address is given at 7:30pm.
Tickets are available via the SSAFA Lincolnshire TryBooking page at a cost of £10 per adult or £5 for 12–16-year-olds. Under 12s are granted free admission but still require ticket reservations. Discounts are available for family tickets (£25 for two adults and 2 youth tickets). Proceeds from every ticket brought help to support the work of SSAFA, continuing to provide lifelong support to serving personnel, veterans, and their families when they need it most.
SSAFA volunteers have been helping the Armed Forces community – regulars and reserves, serving or retired, and their families since 1885. To volunteer or fundraise for SSAFA, or to seek support, visit the SSAFA website and search for “SSAFA near me”.
