The Donkey Sanctuary’s annual carols by candlelight service will run as a virtual event this year — with guest appearances by some of the charity’s equine residents.
As the annual Christmas service cannot run as normal owing to the coronavirus pandemic, it will instead take place online, from 6pm on Friday, 11 December. It forms part of a ‘sanctuary from your sofa’ event, live from the Donkey Sanctuary’s headquarters in Sidmouth, Devon.
“The evening event offers the perfect opportunity for family and friends to gather in the virtual world and enjoy some festive cheer,” a spokesman for the charity said.
“Carols by candlelight will include all the usual traditional Christmas carols and readings, while featuring appearances from many of the Sidmouth resident donkeys.”
The event, which of course includes a rendition of Little Donkey, will be broadcast live on the charity’s website and Facebook page.
Donkey Sanctuary head of commercial activities James Searle said: “We know lots of community carol services and school nativities have had to be cancelled because of the Covid-19 restrictions, so it was important to us that we continued with carols by candlelight, albeit virtually.
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“Whatever your religion or beliefs, we hope family and friends will come together online and enjoy this magical service at home.”
The event also offers supporters of the international animal welfare charity the opportunity to catch up with some of their adoption donkeys and the Poitou herd, with live-streamed catch-ups with both donkeys and staff.
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Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.
