The Princess of Wales's Traditional Festive Carol Concert Spotlights Community Volunteers

Catherine, Princess of Wales, is presiding over her customary Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey, with guests including royals, celebrities and local heroes who have helped their communities.

The large audience will enjoy a selection of traditional hymns, orchestral pieces, and literary excerpts from performers including Chiwetel Ejiofor and Kate Winslet.

A Theme of Compassion and Love

The theme of the event, held in the atmospheric historic church on Friday, is generosity and expressing affection towards one's neighbour.

Attending the event are Jonathan and Anna Cordiner, whose child passed away from a tumour, and who founded an organisation, a support fund, to aid parents with a terminally ill child.

"The time, care and compassion you give, often discreetly and without words, and without any thought of thanks or praise, make an remarkable change to the circumstances of individuals," the Princess expressed in a note prior to the concert.

A Gradual Return

The royal has been undertaking her own measured re-emergence to official duties subsequent to her illness and medical care, recently giving her first public speech for two years, in which she talked about recognising the "quiet, often invisible work of caring".

Musical Talent and Access

Attendees entering the Abbey can listen to young musicians aided by the Future Talent charity, established in part by the Duchess of Kent to widen access to musical tuition.

Trumpeter Carys Wood, 18, who is a trumpet player and is from southwest Wales, has been assisted by the organisation, with funding assisting with instruments, tuition, and transportation expenses - and she said it was "awesome" to be playing at the concert.

"Music can be very expensive," Carys said. She is now enrolled at the Royal Academy of Music, and added that "each individual ought to be given the possibility" to hone their artistic talents.

Generations Gathering

Eliza, Carys's sister who is 11, who plays the euphonium, will also be at the Abbey. "I never thought I'd be able to play there in front of so many important people," she said.

Among the guests will be individuals spanning multiple eras.

That will feature nine-year-old Saphia Turner, winner of a young hero award, who produces drawings and undertakes charity feats to raise money for local food charities.

Yuletide Atmosphere and Acts

The Abbey has been decorated with custom-created holiday decorations, with TV cook Mary Berry and florist Simon Lycett helping to make them.

Taking to the stage will be Katie Melua, the Abbey's own choir and a maritime folk band from Cornwall, the group Fisherman's Friends, who said the invitation to sing was "a dream come true."

The Together at Christmas carol concert will be televised and shown on ITV1 on Christmas Eve.