Tickets now on sale for Carols in the City
On 3 December 2019, St Stephen Walbrook church in the City of London will host Fight for Sight’s annual ‘Carols in the City’ concert to raise money for pioneering eye research, with celebrity guest speaker Sophie Thompson.
Sophie Thompson - sister of Emma Thompson - is an English actress, best known for her appearances in Four Weddings and a Funeral, Persuasion, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1.
The majestic, domed venue of St Stephen Walbrook church is steeped in history, having been erected to the designs of Sir Christopher Wren following the destruction of its medieval predecessor in the Great Fire of London.
The event will run from 17:00–20:00 and will boast a selection of popular Christmas carols, the Medici choir, and a festive reading from Sophie Thompson, as well as a VIP pre-event.
The Medici choir, formerly known as the University Hospitals Festival Choir, is made up of singers from medical backgrounds who perform classic choral works and contemporary pieces.
Join Fight for Sight for a sing-along to some classic Christmas carols and a collection of festive readings from Fight for Sight researchers for all the family to enjoy, followed by a drinks and mince pie reception in the church.
Ticket prices start at £30 – or £50 to join the VIP event with Sophie Thompson – and will help fund pioneering eye research into preventing sight loss and treating eye disease.
Sophie Thompson said: "I'm really delighted and honoured to have been asked to host Fight for Sight’s Carols in the City event this year. The Charity’s cause is particularly close to my heart, not least because my mother, Phyllida Law, has been a patron for many years now. Both she and my granny Megsie have and had glaucoma - unfortunately my Gran wasn’t diagnosed until the damage had already been done and her sight had been fantastically compromised.
"Since glaucoma is hereditary, my mum was immediately advised to get her eyes checked, and early signs of the condition were detected. Luckily, regular check-ups and eye drops have worked wonders for my mum in allowing her to retain her sight, but more research still needs to be done to find new treatments and more effective diagnoses for the worst affected.
"Fight for Sight works tirelessly to fund research into glaucoma - among other eye conditions - in the hope of doing just that.
"They are already on the cusp of so many breakthroughs, and with more funding they can radically reshape the future of those affected by sight loss."
Fight for Sight's research is already leading to transformational treatments. The only barrier to achieving more is the lack of funding.
Give towards the gift of sight this Christmas and help support life-changing breakthroughs by joining us for this cheerful celebration. Tickets can be purchased via our Eventbrite page here.