TV presenter Lorraine Kelly has been revealed as the latest big name to support the University of Aberdeen's annual Celebration of Carols event.
The 2021 event will be held virtually for the second year with Lorraine providing a reading as well as a video promoting the University’s Christmas Appeal to support disadvantaged students.
Hosted by the University’s Alumni Relations & Regular Giving team the pre-recorded event at picturesque King’s College will be broadcast on YouTube on Wednesday 15 December from 7.30pm.
The event will feature readings from alumni Andrew Simpson, the Lord-Lieutenant of Banffshire, and Rev Dr Kay Gauld, Minister at Insch-Leslie-Premnay-Oyne Parish Church. It will also feature a musical performance by award-winning composer and Aberdeen graduate Joanna Gill.
The ITV presenter will read “Twas the Night Before Christmas”.
“I am delighted to be part of this lovely festive event and to support the University of Aberdeen’s Christmas Appeal. The gifts made to this appeal really matter as they will support students who struggle to access higher education despite being academically capable. I hope alumni, friends and supporters of the University of Aberdeen enjoy the Carol Service and have a brilliant Christmas.” she said.
Organised in partnership with the University Chaplaincy Centre and the Music Department the free event will feature a series of carols from the University Chamber Choir. Messages and prayers will also be led by Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor George Boyne, The Revd Canon Dr Stephen Evans, Professor Iain Torrance KCVO, and Rev Marylee Anderson.
Head of Alumni Relations & Regular Giving, Katrina Allan, said: “We are hugely excited that we have secured the support of beloved TV personality Lorraine Kelly.
“This special event is one of the highlights of our year and while we cannot hold the event in person because of current circumstances we hope it will be extra special as it means our alumni and supporters the world over can join us as they did last year for our first virtual celebration.
“We know that our alumni have fond memories of their time at the University, and we look forward to once again sharing this fantastic event to all corners of the world. We hope it will be magical and we are so grateful to our alumni and friends who are taking part as well as celebrating with us virtually.”