All You Need is Smiles

Smile Train UK's Annual Carol Concert returned to the Grosvenor Chapel

Almost 100 guests saw Smile Train UK’s much-loved carol concert return on Thursday 8 December - our first in-person concert since the pandemic began.

‘The Big Smile Carol Concert’ took place at The Grosvenor Chapel in Mayfair, London – the very same Chapel that took centre stage in the classic Christmas film Love Actually.

Choir of Grosvenor Chapel singing — The Choir of Grosvenor Chapel sing ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’

Gallery

Smile Train flyer next to a Christmas Tree

Smile Train teddy bear and flyer in front of a Christmas Tree

Smile Train teddy bears at the Big Smile Carol Concert

The concert featured festive performances from the Choir of Grosvenor Chapel for guests to sing along to, and seasonal messages from Smile Train’s team, including President and CEO Susannah Schaefer, Smile Train UK Director Ian Vallance, and Smile Train UK Chair of Trustees Michael Wood-Williams. View the order of service here.

Smile Train UK supporters singing at Big Smile Carol Concert — Smile Train UK supporters enjoy The Big Smile Carol Concert

Beth Angella giving a speech at Grosvenor Chapel — UK Cleft Community Advisory Council member Beth Angella gives a reflection on her cleft journey over the years

Alongside the carols, there were also very special virtual performances by Smile Train Choirs from around the world. Smile Train Choirs form part of our speech therapy aftercare programme but have grown into so much more. They provide a place where cleft-affected children thrive and are given the confidence to use their voice and speak up. When a child who once struggled to speak is empowered to sing in public, they soon come to believe they can achieve anything. Smile Train Choirs from Columbia and Argentina sang their hearts out.

Elouan telling a story at Grosvenor Chapel — Smile Train UK fundraiser Elouan delivers a beautiful festive story about the power of smiling

But wait, there was myrrh! After the carol concert, guests enjoyed spreading a little Christmas cheer together.

Susannah Schaefer smiling and taking a selfie with Miss Universe GB Noky Simbani — Smile Train President and CEO Susannah Schaefer with Smile Train UK supporter, Miss Universe GB, Noky Simbani

Roanne Moore, Carol Concert Curator and Development Manager at Smile Train UK says: “We are so incredibly excited to be returning to an in-person carol concert at The Grosvenor Chapel, after two years of virtual celebrations.

“Nothing kicks off the festive season quite like Smile Train’s annual carol concert. It was our pleasure to welcome everybody back for an evening filled with Christmas cheer, carols, mince pies, mulled wine, and, most importantly, plenty of smiles!”

Melena with her family at the Big Smile Carol Concert — Cleft Community Advisory Member Melena and her family spread Christmas cheer at the Big Smile Carol Concert

This holiday season, spread joy to children and families in need.

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