Exeter College students raise funds for Royal Devon Hospitals at annual Festival of Carols

Exeter College opened the city’s festive season with its annual Festival of Carols, drawing a full congregation to Exeter Cathedral on Thursday. 

The event featured performances from around 150 students and brought together families, staff and local residents.

The service, held in support of the Royal Devon Hospitals Charity Super Theatre Appeal, raised more than £500 toward the hospital’s planned new operating theatre. 

It was officiated by Reverend Matt Clayton of Unlimited Church and Reverend Canon Chris Palmer of Exeter Cathedral.

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In his opening remarks, Exeter College Principal and CEO John Laramy CBE reflected on the college’s recent achievements, highlighting consistent exam results and national and international successes across its sports and eSports teams. “It is always a pleasure to welcome you to this event,” he told attendees. 

He added: “Over the last year, our students and staff have yet again shown why we are viewed as one of the very best colleges in the country.”

Debbie Allen, community fundraiser for Royal Devon Hospitals Charity, said the cathedral gathering marked the culmination of a year of student-led fundraising. 

She noted that students had contributed through sponsored runs, walks, bake sales and other events, with all funds going toward the Super Theatre Appeal: “Every penny they’ve raised will be helping their local hospital to create a new state-of-the-art operating theatre,” she said.

The programme included performances from several college ensembles, among them the Student Choir, Orchestra, Big Band, Performing Arts Cathedral Choir, The Hill Choir, Christmas Tree-O and Wind Soc. Students also delivered readings throughout the evening.

Performing arts student Jaya Renouard said taking part in the cathedral setting added significance to the event. 

“We’re in such a special place — it feels different,” she said. “It’s really nice to be part of something that’s separate from college but also connected.”

Fellow student Charlie Trott, who also delivered a reading, emphasised the importance of supporting the hospital appeal. 

“They deserve all the praise they can get,” he said. “If we can deliver that tonight, it will bring so much to so many people.”

Exeter College will continue fundraising for the Super Theatre Appeal throughout the year as its chosen charity for 2025–26.