A LOCAL farmer will be hosting a virtual Christmas carol event in support of eastern African farmers.

Ross-on-Wye farmer and star of ‘Born Mucky – Life on the farm’, Ally Hunter Blair, will be hosting the Farm Africa Virtual Carol Concert in support of farmers across eastern Africa. The annual concert by international charity Farm Africa, will feature readings by the charity’s patron Michael Palin and agricultural journalist and broadcaster Anna Jones, and a performance by the incredible London African Gospel Choir.

The concert falls in the same week as Farm Africa’s appeal on BBC Radio 4, also presented by Michael Palin, which will be broadcast twice on Sunday 13 December and once on Thursday 17 December.

The concert is free to attend, but there will be opportunities to make donations to Farm Africa including entering a prize draw. Funds raised will support the charity’s work helping farming families across eastern Africa to improve their agricultural practices, protect their natural resources and strengthen their business management skills.

Ally Hunter Blair commented: “I am delighted to be hosting Farm Africa’s first ever virtual carol concert. Farm Africa is an outstanding charity and I have seen at first hand some of the truly amazing work that they are doing to help transform the lives of fellow farmers. I’d love to see you all there for some festive cheer. Join us on 16 December!”

Marian Torres, Special Events Manager at Farm Africa, commented: “Farmers across eastern Africa are facing unprecedented challenges. The triple threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, an invasion of desert locusts and severe flooding threaten to plunge farming communities in the region into crippling poverty. The virtual carol concert offers an opportunity to not only enjoy a festive evening from the comfort of your own home but to help provide farmers in eastern Africa with the knowledge and tools they need to build stronger, sustainable businesses that can thrive, even during a crisis.”

To book a place at the concert please visit www.farmafrica.org/carols