Members of public dedicate stars to loved ones
Dec 22 2009 by Sophie Cross, Birmingham Mail
MEMBERS of the public dedicated stars in memory of their loved ones during a special event in the centre of Birmingham.
Shine A Star – a Celebration of Life took place in Central Square, Brindleyplace.
The evening of music and reflection was jointly organised by Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.
A tree was lit up in Brindleyplace to remember friends and family who will not be with their loved ones this year.
It will continue to burn brightly throughout the festive season.
The event featured Christmas carols from CBSO Young Voices and excerpts from the Crescent Theatre’s production of Wind in the Willows.
Guests warmed up with mince pies and mulled wine and joined in singing classic carols including O Come All Ye Faithful and Hark, The Herald Angels Sing.
Proceeds went to the hospice, which provides free care to more than 1,000 people of all backgrounds and faiths every year.
A spectacular fireworks finale concluded the celebrations.
The charity also holds an annual Tree of Light ceremony at the hospice in Selly Park. Corporate fundraiser Gavin Petrie said: “We wanted to bring the success of our regular Tree of Light ceremony at the hospice into the centre of Birmingham.
“It was a bitterly cold night, but there was a lot of warmth generated from the carol service and it went terrifically. The majority of people who come to the Tree of Light ceremony have had loved ones cared for at the hospice. There’s an incredible sense of community involved.
“Christmas is a time for family and reflection and I think that’s what this is doing.
“People want to remember the good things about their loved ones.”
Proceeds from the Shine A Star appeal will be shared between the hospice and educational charity CBSO Ignite.
The charity engages children and young people across the city with music through various activities.
Run in partnership with Birmingham Music Service, CBSO Young Voices is an unauditioned, mixed-voice community choir.
Running costs at Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice total £5.7 million a year.
The appeal runs until February 2010.
