THE LORD Mayor's Christmas Carol Concert has been cancelled due to growing concerns about Covid-19.

The annual concert has been called off due to concerns about the Omicron variant and its impact on the local health system.

The Carol Concert, which raises money for local charities, had been scheduled to take place in Oxford Town Hall on Sunday 19 December.

Proceeds from the concert were due to have been donated to the Lord Mayor’s supported organisations: Oxfordshire Mind, Ark-T and Wood Farm Youth Centre. Last year’s Christmas Carol Concert was cancelled due to the pandemic.

All tickets, which cost £3 each, will now be refunded but people also have the option of donating the ticket price to the Lord Mayor’s charities.

The Lord Mayor of Oxford is asking local people to donate the ticket price of the annual carol concert to help this year’s chosen charities.

The Lord Mayor of Oxford, Mark Lygo said: “This is a great disappointment for everybody involved, as this carol concert is not only a key date in our festive calendar, it also raises much needed funds for the Lord Mayor’s chosen charities. All tickets will be refunded.

“We have taken this decision jointly, in full consultation with, and in support of, County Music because it is the right thing to do under the current situation. With it being so close to Christmas, the safety of everybody is paramount.

“This year’s charities are Oxfordshire Mind, Ark-T and Wood Farm Youth Centre and it will really make a big difference if people who had been planning to attend could spread a little cheer this Christmas by donating their ticket price.

“Whatever donation people can afford will really help local people who benefit from these fabulous charities”.

A spokesperson for Oxfordshire County Music Services said:“Following concerns raised by parents, we have reluctantly had to take the decision to postpone the Lord Mayor’s Carol Service on Sunday 19 December.

“We know that pupils and staff have been working very hard, and will be disappointed, but in light of the rising COVID cases due to the new variant and the current restrictions, we are mindful not to put anyone at risk, particularly coming up to Christmas when families will want to be together.

"We will look to provide another opportunity to perform as soon as appropriate.”