High Wycombe support group's community carol singing

The High Wycombe support group consists of seven members from four churches and has been around for 28 years.

Each year the group organises a three day carolling event in a busy shopping centre with local school children singing well-known carols.

The High Wycombe group begins organising the events in January, but don't worry - you can organise a simple collection in a matter of weeks. We have all the resources you’ll need.

A tried-and-tested formula

The group has organised an incredible variety of events over the years. The Chair, Hazel, explains how they organise their carolling event:

'We have a tried-and-tested formula, starting our planning for each year’s event early. We approach primary schools in January, asking if the children are willing to sing on behalf of The Children’s Society. We try to give them lots of notice.

'We also apply for the necessary permits from the council, and gain permission from the shopping centre where we sing.

'Each school is asked to sing for just an hour, and as the children sing, we wear The Children’s Society's purple sashes and hold donation buckets.

'Each school sings on a separate day, and we always chose days where there are lots of shoppers around, such as market days. The atmosphere is always really great and the whole support group joins in for some of the really well-known carols!

'We generally raise £400-500 across the three events, which we’re always really thrilled about.'

Special touch

'The children come from many different religious backgrounds, but all love taking part, regardless of their religious beliefs, which we think makes our event really unique. It really brings the Christmas spirit to the shopping centre! Many people make comments like, "This is what Christmas is all about."'

If you'd like to ask the High Wycombe support group a question, please contact us.

You could also

• Learn more about carol singing, including free resources and suggestions.
• Ask your local supermarket for donations of mince pies (you may need to ask a few months in advance)
• You could do a team-versus-team challenge at work - taking two different popular spots in town and competing to raise the most!
• Download our fundraising guide for groups and committees, which has contains numerous tips and resources when organising your own fundraising event.

If you've organised this type of event and have tips, please let us know - leave a comment below.