Families who have lost loved ones to meningitis will come together for a poignant Christmas concert next month at Gloucester Cathedral. The event, organised by Stroud-based charity Meningitis Now, offers a touching space for remembrance and hope during the holiday season.
Scheduled for Wednesday, November 26, the annual celebration centers around the charity’s symbolic ‘Tree of Remembrance,’ beautifully decorated with white ribbons. Each ribbon carries a handwritten message, symbolizing love, memory, and solidarity among those touched by the devastating effects of meningitis.
The concert will feature moving performances by The Chalford Band, The I-Sing Choir, and the Two Can Theatre Choir, with traditional carols enhancing the reflective atmosphere of the evening.
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Among those sharing their stories are Alex and Clare, whose daughter Mia passed away from MenB meningitis earlier this year. “This will be our third Christmas without our vibrant, funny, and beautiful Mia,” they shared. “She died in our arms on her 20th birthday, just days after falling ill with a strain of meningitis we had never heard of before.”
Alex and Clare will honor Mia’s memory by tying a ribbon on the Tree of Remembrance and invite others to do the same—whether in memory of a loved one or in support of those affected by meningitis.
Dedications for the tree can be submitted until Monday, November 25. For those unable to attend in person, Meningitis Now is also offering a virtual version of the Ribbon Tree, available to view at any time.
This year’s Tree of Remembrance is kindly sponsored by Fay’s Flowers, a business run by Mia’s grandparents. To further support the cause, Fay’s Flowers is offering ‘Mia’s bouquet,’ with 50% of the profits donated to Meningitis Now.
Special thanks are extended to engineering firm Renishaw for their sponsorship, which has played a crucial role in making the concert possible.
Tickets for the Christmas concert can be purchased through the charity’s website.