67th Annual Community Carol Concert fills York Barbican with festive cheer

York’s long‑running Community Carol Concert returned to the York Barbican last Sunday for its 67th year, delivering an afternoon of family festive fun and seasonal favourites. The programme featured performances from Shepherd Brass Band, St Paul’s CE Primary School Choir, All Saints Catholic School Choir and soloist Amber Ford, with a special guest appearance from Ken Humphreys. Carol Concert regular Steve Cassidy joined the ensemble with a Christmas medley performed alongside the combined choirs, then an impromptu show-stopping rendition of “White Christmas”, a highlight that brought down a flurry of fake snow over the singers.

Ken Humphreys bows out after 31 years service to the Carol Concert

The event was hosted by Rev Andrew Foster and Adam Tomlinson, with community singing led by Musical Director Mike Pratt. The Lord Mayor of York, Cllr Martin Rowley BEM and the civic party were in attendance, greeting performers and audience members and underscoring the concert’s place as a cherished local tradition.

Steve Cassidy sings a Christmas Medley witht he choirs

A video message from York legend and celebrated actor David Bradley was screened during the afternoon and was warmly received by the audience. The concert also paid tribute to Ken Humphreys, who steps down from the concert committee after 31 years of dedicated service; Ken bowed out with a festive monologue that drew heartfelt thanks from organisers and attendees.

Proceeds from the event will support the Lord Mayor and Sheriff of York’s Christmas Cheer Fund and The Press‑nominated charity York Against Cancer, continuing the concert’s long history of combining celebration with community fundraising.