Mayor's Carol Concert raises over £1,000 for local school charity
10 December 2025
More than 200 guests enjoyed a wonderful festive evening at the Mayor’s Carol Concert last night in St Mary’s Church, raising over £1,000 for charity. Organisers said it was the busiest the event has been in recent years, with people of all ages coming together to support the Mayor and celebrate the start of the Christmas season.
Throughout the evening, guests were treated to fantastic performances from pupils of Roydon Primary School, Diss Junior School, and Diss High School, as well as from the Dove Song Group and The Walcot 4. The Salvation Army Band, led by bandmaster and event compere Iain Sturgeon, accompanied popular carols selected by the Mayor, encouraging the whole audience to join in the festive singing.
Special guests in attendance included dignitaries from councils across the region, all joining local families, community members, and supporters of the Mayor’s charity for this much-loved annual event. With festive jumpers, Santa hats, and reindeer antlers dotted throughout the church, the atmosphere was filled with joy and community spirit. Parents enthusiastically applauded as the young performers sang their favourite carols and Christmas classics with pride and energy.
Following the performances, the Mayor expressed thanks to everyone who helped to make the evening such a success and contribute to raising vital funds for his chosen charity, Friends of Diss Primary Academy Partnership PTA. He gave special recognition to all the performers, Diss Town Council staff, and every guest who attended and supported the cause. The charity provides important support to local children, helping them access school trips, enjoy improved play equipment, discover new books, and benefit from a range of enriching opportunities.
Guests were invited to stay after the concert to enjoy mulled wine, mince pies, and other festive refreshments, creating a warm and sociable end to the evening. The post-concert gathering offered a perfect opportunity for members of the community to mingle and share in the spirit of Christmas.
“This is what the event is all about,” organisers said. “Bringing people together from all different walks of life to celebrate, support one another, and make a difference.”
If you weren’t able to attend the event but would still like to support this cause, you can make a donation online at: http://linktr.ee/dpapfriends
