We welcomed more than 2,000 guests including our Patron, HRH The Countess of Wessex, to our annual festive event, held this year at St Paul’s Cathedral in London on Thursday, 8 December.

The concert began with an uplifting procession along the central aisle of this iconic place of worship, made up of guide dogs and puppies in training, volunteers, and those who use Guide Dogs’ services. Guests were then treated to performances from the world-famous St Paul’s Cathedral Choir, Brit-nominated classical sensation Carly Paoli and twin sopranos Classical Reflection.

The Countess of Wessex gave a reading of The Shepherds and The Angels (Luke 2:8-20), and there were other inspiring stories and festive readings from celebrity guests including children’s author and entertainer David Walliams, actors David Bradley, Joanna Scanlan and Ruth Jones, and social media star Lucy Edwards.

Tickets for the evening, which was supported by global bank Citi, had sold out, with everyone who attended raising vital funds to help people living with sight loss live the lives they choose.

Anyone who missed this magical night of Christmas cheer can listen to a recording of the concert on Classic FM to be broadcast at 9pm on Friday, 23 December. Classic FM is available on digital radio, on the Global Player, online, and at 100-102FM.