BGT star wows at Manchester Cathedral for historic charity’s event
- Henshaws’ Carols by Candlelight brought hundreds to Manchester Cathedral on 14 December to celebrate Christmas and support one of the city’s oldest charities helping people with sight loss and other disabilities.
- Performances from Dave Steele – The Blind Poet, the Henshaws Children and Young People’s Choir, the Chorlton Ukulele Group, and BGT semi-finalist Stefan Andrusyschyn, whose solo accordion piece was a highlight, created a memorable evening.
- Mayors from across Greater Manchester, including Stockport and Trafford, attended to show their support, with funds raised going towards Henshaws’ vital services.
Hundreds of people gathered at Manchester Cathedral for Henshaws’ event Carols by Candlelight on Sunday (14 December).
The much-loved annual event supports people living with sight loss and other disabilities.
Organised by Henshaws, one of the oldest charities in Manchester, the sold-out evening celebrated both the Christmas season and the organisation’s long-standing commitment to inclusion and empowerment in Manchester and beyond.
The cathedral was filled with festive warmth and community spirit, with guests enjoying a rich programme of music, poetry, and traditional carols. Performances were delivered by award-winning poet Dave Steele – The Blind Poet, Henshaws Children and Young People’s Choir, Chorleton Ukelele Group, and Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Stefan Andrusyschyn – all of whome have a close connection to the charity.
‘I was crying and had my tissues out’
A number of mayors from across Greater Manchester gathered to show their support. Among them were the Mayor of Stockport, Councillor Kerry Waters, and the Mayor of Trafford, Councillor Jane Brophy. Their presence showed the importance of regional collaboration and community support for longstanding local charities.
Councillor Brophy said: “It was top of our priority list to come and see Henshaws. The children’s choir was just so amazing and uplifting. I was crying and had my tissues out.”
The cause is particularly important to Councillor Waters, whose mother and niece have both experienced vision impairment. She said: “I’m sure they will be getting involved [with Henshaws]”.
Councillor Brophy added: “Everything was just amazingly wonderful and we had a great evening.”
The power of music
A particularly powerful moment of the evening came from Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist and Henshaws ambassador Stefan Andrusyschyn, who stepped forward to perform several solo pieces after opera singer partner and fellow ambassador Denise Leigh was sadly unable to attend due to illness.
Born blind and orginally from Manchester, Stefan gave a dramatic and technically impressive performance of Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D minor on the accordion. He captivated the audience, earning prolonged applause, becoming one of the night’s most memorable highlights.
The Henshaws Children and Young People’s Choir, dressed in pink as the charity’s colour, brought joy to the audience with their uplifting festive songs. The Chorlton Ukulele Group added warmth and energy with their seasonal repertoire.
Breaking down barriers
Dave Steele, a Henshaws patron, delivered moving spoken-word pieces inspired by his lived experience of sight loss due to Retinitis Pigmentosa. He said: “My poems have been a way for people to explain how they are feeling, and to break down barriers and misconceptions.”
Between performances, the audience joined in with traditional carols and enjoyed festive refreshments, including mulled wine and mince pies, creating a strong sense of togetherness and celebration.
Funds raised from the event will go directly towards Henshaws’ vital services, supporting people with sight loss and other disabilities to build confidence, independence and creative skills.