Follow The Stars Macmillan carol concert 

Round & About

Angela Rippon leads Oxford’s beloved Macmillan carol concert at Christ Church Cathedral in Oxford 

Oxford’s iconic “Follow the Stars” Christmas Carol Concert returns for its 28th year on Friday 5th December 2025 at 8pm, transforming Christ Church Cathedral into a beacon of festive joy and generosity in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. 

For nearly three decades, this much-loved event has marked the start of Christmas in Oxford, blending world-class performances, celebrity readings, and seasonal spirit — all in support of people living with cancer. 

This year’s concert welcomes Angela Rippon CBE as one of the evening’s celebrity readers. A familiar and much-loved figure in British broadcasting, Angela has been a household name for almost 60 years, from BBC News to Rip-Off Britain and Strictly Come Dancing. In 2025 she launched her Let’s Dance campaign, celebrating the power of dance for wellbeing — a fitting message of hope and vitality. 

Acclaimed lyric soprano Sophie Bevan MBE will perform, bringing her exquisite voice to the Cathedral’s soaring acoustics. A frequent soloist at the Royal Opera House and Garsington, Sophie’s involvement carries personal meaning — as someone who has experienced cancer treatment herself, her performance is a moving tribute to Macmillan’s compassionate work. 

Also appearing is Abigail Thaw, beloved for her role in Endeavour and daughter of the late Inspector Morse star John Thaw, adding her talent to an evening of warmth, reflection and festive spirit. 

Almost 3.5 million people in the UK are currently living with cancer, and Macmillan Cancer Support continues to be there for them and their families every step of the way. As His Majesty King Charles III recently reflected, “These moments of kinship create what I might call a ‘community of care’ — one that sustains patients through the most difficult of times.” 

Funds raised through Follow the Stars directly support Macmillan’s vital work — from specialist nurses and financial advice to emotional and practical help when it’s needed most.