City News

A Birmingham wide celebration of life will be held this Christmas in a festive collaboration between the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra’s CBSO Young Voices and Birmingham St Mary's Hospice to remember those people who have been a part of our lives who will not be with us at this time of year...

Carols and shining lights will all be part of the Shine a Star – Celebration of Life event that will take place on Thursday 17 December 2009 at 5:30pm in Central Square, Brindleyplace. BRMB’s Russ Morris will host the evening, and he will be inviting everyone to join in with Carols sung by the CBSO Young Voices (in Partnership with Birmingham Music Service). Actors from the Crescent Theatre will also perform excerpts from the beautifully crafted production of Wind in the Willows. Mince pies and mulled wine will also be on offer to warm the soul as well as a Christmas Farmers Market to stock up on locally sourced essentials.

During the celebrations, a tree will light up Brindleyplace to remember those shining stars in our lives, which will, in turn, continue to burn brightly through the festive season. To make sure your star burns bright and to post a message to loved ones visit: www.shineastar.org.uk. All donations will benefit Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice and CBSO Ignite, the CBSO’s charity arm reaching people across the Midlands. Individual glowing star wands and raffle tickets will also be available to help make the night’s celebrations shine even brighter.

Stephen Maddock from the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra said: “Christmas is always a time of year that we think about those that aren’t with us. Through music and light we hope that we can celebrate those individuals and share our thoughts with others who might also be missing someone close.”
 
Gavin Petrie from Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice added: “Shine a Star will help to confirm the wonderful sense of community shared by those who work in Brindleyplace, and we are delighted that we can bring people together in memory of their loved ones. This event, in the heart of Birmingham, will ensure that we as a city can stand together in both joy and celebration to remember people who have made our lives richer.”

Kate Gregson, Marketing and PR Manager from Brindleyplace said: “The CBSO and Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice are two really great charities which ensure that the lives of those of us that live in Birmingham are enriched and supported in so many ways. This is a fantastic event which we’re looking forward to hosting and ensuring that this corner of Birmingham shines bright as we celebrate each other at this time of year.”