Angelique Kidjo, Mary-Jess for Christmas Concert

Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) is hosting its twentieth annual Christmas Carol Concert at Methodist Central Hall in Westminster, London on Thursday 10th of December 2015, at 7:30pm.

Entertainment will come from the prestigious City of London Choir, youth chamber choir Inner Voices and guest solo artists including Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter from Benin, Angélique Kidjo, Indian violinist Jyotsna Srikanth and star of X Factor China, singer Mary-Jess Leaverland ( details below).

Celebrity readers include Juliet Stevenson and VSO's patron, HRH The Princess Royal, will also be in attendance. VSO returned volunteers will share stories of their work and impact in developing countries.

"Over 20 years, the VSO Christmas Carol Concert has become a 'must do' for anyone looking for a special moment in their Christmas season. This year's concert has a fantastic musical line up and all the proceeds raised on the night go towards our programmes to end poverty in Africa and Asia. It is certain to be an unforgettable night, with a lot of magic and stardust in the air," said Philip Goodwin, CEO of VSO.

"It is a thrill to be part of the VSO 20th Christmas Carol Concert in London this December. I can't wait to perform in the amazing venue of the Methodist Hall at such a special time of year. I have seen the many ways volunteers change people's lives around the world so it's great to be able to support VSO's work through this event," said Angelique Kidjo, Grammy Award singer songwriter, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and co- founder of the Batonga Foundation this week.

There is also a pre-concert drinks reception from 6pm in the Library at Methodist Central Hall where guests can mingle with celebrities, VSO returned volunteers and staff. An auction will also take place on the night.

Tickets are now on sale for the concert and reception. Prices range from £15 to £75. Tickets can be booked online via Ticketsource or by calling the box office on 0333 666 3366. For further details about the concert, please visit www.vsointernational.org/christmas-concert

As in previous years, the event is sponsored exclusively by our long term partner, the NASUWT - the largest teachers' union in the UK. For further details, please visit http://www.nasuwt.org.uk/