Emergency Service Annual Christmas Carol Concert

Earlier this week on Tuesday 16 December, hundreds of people gathered at the historic Southwell Minster to celebrate the annual Emergency Services Christmas Carol Concert, hosted by Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS), Nottinghamshire Police, and East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS). 

The event, a tradition for many years, brought together communities, colleagues, and dignitaries from across Nottinghamshire, including Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden and Vice Lord-Lieutenant Nora Senior. The service was led by Reverend Jo Tatum, Lead Chaplain for Nottinghamshire Police. 

Guests enjoyed a festive evening of music performed by the Nottinghamshire Police Band, the Cantamus Girls’ Choir, ARM, and the Pulp Friction Choir. Readings were delivered by senior leaders and staff from all three services, including Chief Fire Officer Craig Parkin DL, temporary Chief Constable Steve Cooper, Ben Holdaway, EMAS Director of Operations, and NFRS Station Manager Kevin Parker. 

This year’s concert raised funds for three vital charities: Fire Fighters Charity, Nottinghamshire Blood Bikes, and The Ambulance Staff Charity. 

NFRS Area Manager and Head of Strategic Support, Matt Reavill, said: “This event is a wonderful opportunity for our emergency services to come together with the community and celebrate the festive season. It’s also a chance to support charities that make a real difference to our colleagues and the public throughout the year.” 

Ben Holdaway, Director of Operations at EMAS, said: “This year’s Carol Concert was a wonderful occasion, it was my first time attending and I really enjoyed being able to catch up with my colleagues from the other emergency services. A big thank you to everyone who attended and contributed. We’re delighted to support these well deserving charities.”

Chief Superintendent Nick Waldram, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This was a great opportunity for blue-light colleagues and their families to join in celebration with the wider community at this historic venue. 

“As Christmas approaches I would also like to extend my gratitude and best wishes to every member of emergency service staff who will be sacrificing their celebrations this year in order to serve others.”

This joint emergency service event continues to be a symbol of collaboration and community spirit across Nottinghamshire – thank you to you all who attended and made it yet again, a great evening.