Choirs raise voices and funds for Farm Africa

Farm Africa’s annual carol concert, Fables and Festivities, which was held at The Guild Church St Martin within Ludgate, London last night provided some seasonal cheer and raised an amazing £25,500 to help young farmers lifts themselves out of poverty.

The funds raised will go towards Farm Africa’s Growing Futures appeal, with all donations matched by the UK Government, doubling the amount raised.

Guests were treated to performances from two choirs. First up was the London African Gospel Choir, whose renditions of African wedding songs and reimaginings of classic carols sprinkled some sunshine on an otherwise chilly winter’s night.

Second up was the Pram and Night Chorus, a friendly uplifting daytime choir open to both parents and children. The intergenerational cast, complete with baby, finished off the night with a number of fun and uplifting numbers.

Michelle Wilson, Farm Africa’s Head of Programmes, gave the main address. Michelle took the opportunity to reflect upon Farm Africa’s work, and in particular how Farm Africa’s Growing Futures project is providing young women and men in western Kenya with a regular income for the first time in their lives and the transformational impact this has on their ambitions, confidence and quality of life.

“The carol concert did a lot more than raise some voices, after being doubled by the UK Government, the event raised a whopping £51,000” reflects Mike Saxton, Farm Africa’s Director of Resources and compère for the night. “The funds will help farmers in western Kenya improve their farming skills and develop new routes to market, so they can grow more crops, increase their incomes and better support their families.”

The evening wrapped up with mulled wine and mince pies, generously supplied by Aldi UK.