Festival of Carols unites Exeter College and community in celebration
Exeter College marked the start of the 2025 festive season with its annual Festival of Carols at the spectacular Exeter Cathedral on Thursday 4 December, bringing together students, parents, and the local community for an evening of celebration and reflection.
A packed Cathedral enjoyed outstanding performances from around 150 students representing a range of different faculties, showcasing the breadth of talent and diversity of courses the College has to offer.
The free-to-attend service was held in support of Exeter College’s official charity for 2025/26, Royal Devon Hospitals Charity Super Theatre Appeal, raising over £500 towards the cost of a new ‘Super Theatre’ for Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. The service was officiated by Reverend Matt Clayton, Leader of Unlimited Church, and Reverend Canon Chris Palmer of Exeter Cathedral.
In his opening remarks, Exeter College’s Principal and CEO, John Laramy CBE, reflected on the past year and expressed his heartfelt gratitude to everyone connected to the College and the wider Exeter community.
John said: “It is always a pleasure to welcome you to this event, a showcase of the amazing talent of our students and staff.
“The city’s college, your college, has had another stunning year. In the summer, our students delivered not only excellent results, but the most consistent that I can remember. Our eSports Rocket League team is off to Doha, Qatar, next week to represent England. Our U18 rugby men’s team are representing England next year in the Sanix World Championships in Japan.
“I wanted to acknowledge the amazing work of our students and staff. Over the last year, they have yet again shown why we are viewed as one of the very best colleges in the country. From all of us at Exeter College, I wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year!”
Debbie Allen, Royal Devon Hospitals Charity Community Fundraiser, said: “We were thrilled to be invited to be part of such a special evening at the cathedral. Exeter College students have been brilliant supporters of our Super Theatre Appeal, and the Festival of Carols marked the culmination of a fantastic year of fundraising.
“From sponsored runs and walks, to bake sales and fine dining evenings, students have taken our appeal to their hearts and worked so hard in support of their local NHS. Every penny they’ve raised will be helping their local hospital to create a new state-of-the-art operating theatre that will help save thousands of lives across Devon.”
Guests were treated to a programme of festive favourites performed by Exeter College students, featuring several Exeter College ensembles, including the Student Choir, Orchestra, Big Band, Performing Arts Cathedral Choir, The Hill Choir, Christmas Tree-O, and Wind Soc – Join the Dots.
Jaya Renouard, who is studying UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing and Production Arts with a Musical Theatre Pathway, performed as part of the Performing Arts Cathedral Choir and delivered a reading from John 1 1-14. Before the service, she said:
“Everyone’s excited, and you’ve got that buzz and energy, which makes the evening feel different. And we’re in such a special place, it’s a wonderful feeling.”
“It’s really nice that the college does this. I hadn’t ever had the opportunity to do anything in a cathedral or a church like this, especially nowhere as grand as this. It’s really nice to be part of something that’s separate from college but also connected. It feels special because we’re in an important place, and that’s really enjoyable.”
Charlie Trott, who is studying UAL Level 3 Diploma Performing and Production Arts Acting pathway, delivered a reading from Luke 1 26-31. Before the service, he said:
“I’ve had experiences with Carol services back when I was in Primary School. This is a big step up, but I’m ready to go and ready to step up. I’m confident I can make a good example of this reading.
“This is all in support of the Royal Decon Hospital Charity, so a really great cause. They deserve all the praise they can get, and I feel like if we can deliver that tonight, it will bring so much to so many people.”
As Exeter College’s official charity for 2025/26, fundraising activities will continue throughout the year for the Super Theatre Appeal. Donations to support the appeal can be made on Exeter College’s JustGiving page.
