Animal lovers urged to join charity carol concert

20/11/2007

The Blue Cross, Britain's pet charity, is calling on songsters of all ages to join the festivities at its Christmas carol concert in December.  Proceeds from the night will help to provide veterinary care for sick and injured animals cared for at the charity's three animal hospitals in London.

Following the success of last year's concert, the charity will again be hosting the event on 12th December at St Peter's Church in Eaton Square in Belgravia. The merriments will start at 6pm with complimentary mince pies and wine before the concert commences at 7pm. 

The congregation will be entertained by the well-renowned English Chamber Choir, who will be accompanied by trumpeters from the London Banquet Ensemble and the church's impressive ceiling mounted organ.  The audience will be invited to sing along to classic tunes and be treated to a selection of readings from special guests, including festive poems, amusing passages and short stories about Christmas. 

The Blue Cross runs three animal hospitals in London, which provide a valuable service for the pets of owners who cannot afford private vets' fees.  The charity also provides a community vet nurse who cares for animals in their own homes when owners are physically unable to get to the hospitals.  The Blue Cross receives no government funding, so it relies on the generosity of the general public to continue its vital work. 

For more information, or to obtain tickets for this special event, please call Craig Burchell on 020 7932 4071 or email craig.burchell@bluecross.org.uk. Tickets cost £18.  Concession tickets (OAPs and children under 16) cost £12.  Children aged 5 and under are free. 

Ends

Notes to editors

Media are welcome to attend.  For further details please contact the press office on 0207 932 4060 or press@bluecross.org.uk

Guest readers attending the concert will be confirmed in December

The Blue Cross is Britain's pet charity, providing practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners. Through its network of animal adoption centres it rehomes thousands of pets and horses each year. Its four hospitals, based in Grimsby, Victoria, Hammersmith and Merton provide veterinary care for the pets of people who cannot afford private vets' fees and undertake thousands of consultations every year.

The Blue Cross's flagship animal hospital in Victoria is the oldest hospital of its kind in the UK. It was first established in 1906 and was the head quarters of The Blue Cross for many years. It was rebuilt in 1999 and officially opened by Her Majesty the Queen in November 2001.

Media Contact: Ziela Haider, Press officer 0207 9324063/ziela.haider@bluecross.org.uk