Music that Changes Lives – Worcester Cathedral This Christmas
This December, one of Worcestershire’s most cherished festive traditions will once again fill Worcester Cathedral with music, hope and generosity.
Worcestershire Community Foundation is proud to continue its partnership with the Worcester Festival Choral Society as the charitable beneficiary of this year’s performance of Handel’s Messiah on Saturday 12th December 2026.
While Messiah is celebrated around the world as one of the greatest choral works ever written, its story has always been about much more than music.
When it was first performed in Dublin in 1742, Handel’s intention was to raise money for charitable causes supporting people facing hardship. The concert helped fund hospitals and social care, beginning a tradition of generosity that has continued for almost 300 years.
Today, that same spirit lives on here in Worcestershire.
Every donation raised through this year’s performance will support local children and young people through the Messiah Fund, managed by Worcestershire Community Foundation. Grants from the fund will help local charities deliver projects that create opportunity, improve wellbeing and strengthen communities across the county.
Last year’s inaugural Messiah Benefit Concert demonstrated the incredible difference this partnership can make.
Funding supported Becoming Families, helping strengthen parent-infant relationships to improve long-term family wellbeing, and the Museum of Royal Worcester, enabling creative outreach work with young children and schools in some of Worcestershire’s most disadvantaged communities.
This year, the ambition is even greater.
Become a Messiah Gold Patron
Worcestershire Community Foundation and Worcester Festival Choral Society are inviting businesses, organisations and individuals to become Messiah Gold Patrons, helping to lead this remarkable tradition of charitable giving into the future.
Gold Patrons will play a vital role in supporting local children and young people while enjoying a range of acknowledgements and exclusive event benefits, including:
- Priority booking for nave seating (when confirmed by 30th September)
- A complimentary half-page ‘Proud to Support’ acknowledgement in the concert programme
- An invitation to the VIP drinks reception in the Chapter House
- Recognition on the Worcester Festival Choral Society’s dedicated Messiah donors’ webpage, including a link to your organisation
- A thank you across social media channels
Anne Renshaw, Development Officer for Worcester Festival Choral Society, said:
“Handel’s Messiah has inspired generosity for almost three centuries. Every performance reminds us that music has the power not only to move people emotionally, but also to change lives. By becoming a Messiah Gold Patron, you’ll be helping children and young people across Worcestershire access opportunities, support and brighter futures while continuing a remarkable charitable tradition.”
Lucy Wells, Director of Worcestershire Community Foundation, said:
“We’re incredibly proud to continue our partnership with Worcester Festival Choral Society. This is about bringing together music, philanthropy and community to create lasting impact across Worcestershire. Every donation made through the Messiah Fund will help local charities support children and young people where it’s needed most.”
Join us this Christmas!
Whether you choose to become a Gold Patron, make a donation or simply attend what promises to be another unforgettable performance, you’ll be helping continue a tradition that has been changing lives for generations.
To find out more about becoming a Messiah Gold Patron, please contact Anne Renshaw at [email protected] or Lucy Wells at [email protected].
You can also support the Messiah Fund by donating via the campaign page https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/wcf-wcfsmessiah.
Tickets for this year’s concert are available from the Worcester Festival Choral Society website www.wfcs.online.
For more information on The Messiah Fund go to: https://www.worcscf.org.uk/appeals/messiah-fund/
