Part of Christmas carol concert held under the stars after Truro Cathedral evacuated
Over 700 people attended the event by ShelterBox on Tuesday night
Last updated 21st Dec 2023
ShelterBox's inaugural Christmas carol concert was certainly one to remember!
Over 700 people had to be evacuated from the event at Truro Cathedral on Tuesday night (19 December) after a fire alarm interrupted the service.
It didn’t dampen festive spirits though, with the carols continuing by star and solar light for a short while before people were able to go back inside - ShelterBox say it was a false alarm.
ShelterBox CEO, Sanj Srikanthan said: "I promise you it was not our plan to give you a taste of displacement this evening and have you all stand outside. It was an unplanned but timely reminder of how quickly things can change and how quickly you can lose a roof over your head.
"The year has been what I would describe as restless and disruptive. Right now, for ShelterBox from The Holy Land, to Pacific islands, to forgotten Sudanese refugees who are crossing into Chad in a conflict that doesn’t get the news, we have been busier than ever, and it has been relentless.
"So, it’s been really wonderful for this evening to take a moment for the stillness to set and to really reflect with all of you and why we do it."
The sold-out event was held by the international disaster relief charity to raise awareness of, and funds for, its work supporting people around the world who have been left without shelter after disaster.
Guests from across Cornwall were treated to performances by the Cornish all female sea shanty group, The Clams, and community choirs, the Suitcase Singers and the Ingleheart Singers.
The event was supported by special guest, renowned presenter, writer and journalist, Fern Britton, who did a reading of the poem ‘A Visit from St. Nicholas’ by Clement Clarke Moore.
The audience were also shown ShelterBox's new winter appeal film. The story raises awareness of the threat the cold poses to people fleeing conflict or disaster and is inspired by the people the charity supported in Türkiye and Syria after the earthquakes earlier in the year.
This year, the Cornwall-based charity has supported around 250,000 people across 13 countries – possible because of the support it receives.
"We don’t take that support for granted," said Sanj Srikanthan as he wrapped up the concert.
"We don’t take you for granted. It’s really important to us that we can enjoy this moment to say how proud we are of the support you give.
"Cornwall is not a wealthy county compared to many others, but we are the contribution from Cornwall to the world to make the world a little bit better for people, who day by day, hour by hour, are losing their homes to disaster and conflict."