Tennis star to feature at Ripon Christmas Carol Concert by Candlelight

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Former British number-one tennis star Johanna Konta will be the guest speaker at the much-loved Christmas Carol Concert by Candlelight at Ripon Cathedral next month.

The event, on the second day of Advent, will include music, carols and readings, with choirs from the Aysgarth School and Queen Mary’s School, as well as professional musicians and notable readers.

Johanna Konta was number four in the world and a Wimbledon semi-finalist, winning more than $10 million in prize money over her career. The carol concert falls on the fourth anniversary of her retirement from professional tennis.

Money raised by the annual event goes to Macmillan Cancer Support and is ringfenced for causes in Yorkshire. People in the county are more likely to get cancer, and more likely to die of cancer, than almost anywhere else in England.

Last year's concert raised more than £52,000, and over the past 27 years the event has raised a total of more than £607,000.

This year, the concert will support the Macmillan Cancer Care Centre Appeal at York Hospital, which is looking to raise £2.1 million.

The concert is organised by volunteers who meet throughout the year. Their patron is the Duchess of Devonshire, a past committee member.

The Christmas Carol Concert by Candlelight will be held at Ripon Cathedral from 7.30pm on Monday, December 1. Tickets are available via the website, www.macmillanriponcarolconcert.co.uk.

A drinks reception will be held just before the concert at the Old Deanery. Tickets for this event, or to enter the Christmas Prize Draw, can also be purchased via the website.