City of Lincoln Mayor’s charity concert raises vital funds for local Armed Forces Community

18 December 2025

The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Lincoln, Councillor Bill Mara hosted the first Civic concert in support of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, raising spirits and awareness this festive season.  

The stunning Lincoln Cathedral was the grand setting for the sold-out charitable concert, which raised more than £1,000 of vital funds for SSAFA Lincolnshire, Cllr Mara’s chosen charity of the year.  

Numerous dignitaries from Lincolnshire and the surrounding areas joined residents in support of the Lincolnshire Armed Forces community – around 58,000 veterans and 8,000 serving personnel and their families.  

Guests were treated to an angelic performance from the children of Cranwell Primary School Choir and classic festive songs from Waddington Military Wives Choir alongside powerful readings from local veterans and Lady Walmsley, the SSAFA National Vice Chair.  

Poignantly titled “Home for Christmas”, Cllr Mara closed the special service with a heart-felt address that acknowledged the sacrifice veterans, serving personnel and their families make – especially those who will be deployed and away from their loved ones this Christmas – and how SSAFA can support them through their time of need.  

Jim Evans, Branch Chair for SSAFA Lincolnshire, commented: “The Home for Christmas Civic concert was an enormous success, and the City of Lincoln Mayor has raised vital funds for Lincolnshire’s Armed Forces community. Every penny counts and we greatly appreciate the generosity of all those within the local community who came together to celebrate the festive season with us. The Cranwell Primary School Choir won hearts and were a delight to watch and the Waddington Military Wives performance launched the Christmas season in the best possible manner.” 

City of Lincoln Mayor, Cllr Bill Mara added: “The Home for Christmas Civic concert was something that I will always remember from my Mayoral year. I felt very proud being part of this event not only as the Mayor but also as a veteran. The children of The Cranwell School Choir bought a tear to many of the audience including myself. The atmosphere was further raised with the powerful voices of the Waddington Military Wives Choir who were truly amazing. SSAFA is an amazing charity, and I felt very proud supporting them in this event”. 

The total raised will be combined with donations from Cllr Mara’s past fundraising initiatives – including running 5km a day, every day during the month of November. The City of Lincoln Mayor intends to host several events for SSAFA in 2026 too, including a whisky tasting.