Concert To Spread Festive Cheer For People With Learning Disabilities

Christmas is well and truly on the way for Bradford locals, who are being invited to national learning disability charity Hft’s annual Christmas concert.

Held at Bradford Cathedral on 17 December, the Coming of Christmas concert promises to get the whole family in the Christmas spirit with carols, music and readings. People supported by the charity will be taking to the stage during the candlelit concert, which includes performances from Hft band The Raucous New Yorkshires, a cover band that plays regularly around the city, and Hft’s very own samba band. Alan, 92, who is supported to DJ on Hft’s radio station Radio 119, in partnership with Bradford Community Broadcasting, will also be doing a festive reading. Topping off the event is former Bradford City player and co-founder of Bradford-based charity One in a Million, Wayne Jacobs, who joins the evening as guest speaker.

As well as taking in the entertainment, guests will have the chance to enjoy complimentary mulled wine and mince pies, and can even indulge in some Christmas shopping at stalls offering a range of gift ideas.

All proceeds from the festive evening are set to go towards the work Hft does supporting adults with learning disabilities locally. Money raised at this year’s concert is funding the charity’s 31 projects in Bradford, which support over 700 people. Services include supported employment opportunities and The Learning Zone, a creative and vocational learning centre offering a range of classes and activities including textiles, drama and sports.

Julia Kinch, Divisional Fundraising Manager at Hft, said: “We’re hoping for a great turn out at this fantastic Christmas event. It’s a wonderful chance to get together with family and friends for a magical evening, while raising money for a vital cause.

“All the money raised will help us to continue supporting adults with learning disabilities to live the best life possible. Our services range from round the clock support to helping people with specific challenges such as building a social life or developing skills for independent living.”

Hft supports adults with learning disabilities, providing person-centred services ranging from flexible day support to supported living at home – from a few hours a week to 24 hours a day.

Tickets cost £5 and are available from www.hft.org.uk/comingofchristmasbradford