On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love took me to see: 10 canines crooning at the Christmas carol concert for Battersea

The halls of St Luke's echoed with the cheerful carolling of over 700 animal lovers on Monday 8 December, as supporters of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home came together with their canine companions for the second annual Battersea Carol Concert.

Proudly supported by Harrods Estates Luxury Property Agents Chelsea office, the concert welcomed a number of well-known celebrities and friends of the Home, including HRH Princess Michael of Kent, David Gandy & Mollie King, Danielle Bux and daughter Ella, and of course, the Home's famous doggy Guard of Honour.

Danielle Bux, who attended the event with daughter Ella, said: "We're huge supporters of Battersea and the amazing work they do for lost, abandoned or unwanted animals. It was wonderful to be able to celebrate the festive season in the company of so many others passionate about supporting this worthy cause.

"Events like tonight shine a deserved light on the Home's rescue dogs and cats, as without any government funding, Battersea relies on the generosity of the public to help them continue to care for these animals. We can't wait to do it all again next year."

The Saturdays' Mollie King presented a surprise Christmas reading to guests, and the audience were led in song by the angelic Collegium Musicum of London Chamber Choir – 'O Holy Night' being a particular crowd favourite. After the carols, guests continued the festivities over mince pies and mulled wine, while the Home's rescue dogs lapped up the attention of concert-goers.

Battersea Ambassador, David Gandy, said: "To me, Christmas is about giving generously to those who are less fortunate than many of us - like the hundreds of dogs and cats waiting for a home across Battersea's three centres. The charity and its astonishing team of volunteers does an amazing job looking after the thousands of animals that come through their doors every year, and tonight's concert was a wonderful reminder of the important role they play in finding loving homes for lost and abandoned animals all over the UK."

Overall, the carols were a huge success and raised over £17,000, which will go towards caring for the hundreds of lost and abandoned dogs and cats looking for new homes across Battersea's three centres.

Sarah Wilson, Head of Events and Community Fundraising, said:
"It was so uplifting to see so many of our wonderful supporters coming together in aid of the Home's rescue dogs and cats. We're humbled that people took the time to come along at such a busy time of the year to support animals less fortunate this Christmas."

Shirley Humphrey, Director of Harrods Estates, said: "Our Chelsea office was so pleased to be involved with such a fantastic event in support of such a worthy cause. After all, we are both in the business of providing a sense of belonging, of community and of family by finding the perfect home."

-Ends-

Pictures: Please credit Kate Walch.

For more information and images please contact 020 7627 9294 or email press@battersea.org.uk