Guests will be welcomed into a candlelit setting with a mince pie and a glass of mulled wine, before enjoying a live choir and a full festive programme of traditional carols, seasonal readings and special performances. 

Celebrity guest readers include one of Liverpool’s most recognizable faces, actress Sue Johnston; with numerous credits to her name including Downton Abbey, Brookside, The Royle Family and more recently Riot Women to name a few.  

Sue said; "I was delighted to be invited to read at Rainbow Trust's Christmas Carol Concert in Liverpool Cathedral. As a mum and grandma, I can only imagine the heartache families experience when caring for a seriously ill child. 

I am honoured to support Rainbow Trust Children's Charity and to help shine a light on the life-changing support it provides to families in my beloved Liverpool and across the UK." 

The Hall family, who are local to the area, will attend the concert. While on holiday with her three children – Declan (15), Alivia (13) and Holly (six), mum Toni noticed a rash on her youngest daughter Holly.  

"I knew something was seriously wrong. After blood tests at our local hospital, the doctors told me they suspected leukaemia. I was in complete disbelief."

Holly was immediately transferred by ambulance to Alder Hey Hospital, where her diagnosis was confirmed in July 2023. 

“Our lives completely changed. Holly started treatment immediately and, from that moment on, we were living in hospital. I felt so isolated.” 

At the same time, Toni's son Declan was diagnosed with a benign tumour in his heel after months of pain and difficulty walking. 

"The timing couldn't have been worse. We had to navigate two major health challenges at once. Although Declan’s tumour wasn't cancerous, hearing that word was frightening for him after witnessing everything Holly was going through. It was an incredibly difficult time."

In March 2025 the family were introduced to Rainbow Trust Family Support worker, Hannah. 

Mum Toni explains the difference Hannah's emotional and practical support has made to their lives, giving her time to catch up on household tasks or just simply pause and process everything the family has been through; 

“Hannah's emotional support for the children has been incredible. She is someone they can confide in and talk to about their frustrations and concerns. Without Hannah's support, there would have been far more stress and anxiety in our home. Our conversations are a huge source of support because she understands our situation without me having to explain every detail. Holly absolutely adores Hannah and rushes to give her a big hug whenever she visits.” 

The Hall family is supported by the Merseyside and Cheshire team which covers the city of Liverpool, the Wirral and Cheshire. 

Helen Stott, Liverpool Family Support Manager says: “We're really looking forward to celebrating and welcoming guests, readers and musicians to our first ever Liverpool Carol Concert in our 40th year. Christmas can often be one of the hardest times of the year for the families we support, and we are so grateful that Toni, Holly and her family are able to attend and read for us. This event will get people into the festive spirit while fundraising for an immensely important cause meaning our Family Support Workers can help those families have the best Christmas possible.”   

Tickets cost £18 each, or £12 for under 18s and online booking is now available here. 

If you are a local business interested in sponsoring the event or would like to place advertising in the concert brochure, please contact Rainbow Trust head office on 01372 363 438. 

Photo credit: Rob Battersby