Local County Antrim singer joins star-studded line-up at The King’s Trust Carol Concert

Tienán Heffron on stage Performing at the historic St Paul’s Church, Knightsbridge, this week for The King’s Trust Carol Concert

Celebrities, supporters and rising musical talent gathered at the historic St Paul’s Church, Knightsbridge, this week for The King’s Trust Carol Concert in partnership with Cunard, with 25-year-old County Antrim singer Tiernán Heffron taking to the stage alongside some of the biggest names in entertainment.

The event, filled with festive readings, live music and candlelit atmosphere, was held to raise vital funds for The King’s Trust, supporting programmes that help young people across the UK build confidence, gain skills, and take steps into education, training or employment.

The concert will be broadcast on Christmas Eve at 7pm on Magic Classical and the Rayo app.

Star Names Bring Christmas Spirit to Knightsbridge

Guests were treated to readings from stars including Dominic West, Penny Lancaster, Adrian Lester CBE, Sonali Shah, Dame Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan OBE, while award-winning musicians Sam Ryder and Jamie Cullum delivered uplifting festive performances.

The concert, now a much-loved annual tradition, set a warm and celebratory tone for the Christmas season.

County Antrim’s Tiernán Shines on the National Stage

A standout moment of the evening came from Tiernán, a Young Ambassador supported by The King’s Trust.

After completing the Trust’s Team programme, he regained the confidence to pursue a music career—shortly before being famously spotted by global superstar Taylor Swift while singing in a Belfast bar.

At the concert, he performed his original song This Christmas alongside an emotional cover of Fairytale of New York, receiving warm applause from the packed audience.

Tienán Heffron on stage

Tiernán said:

“I’m really proud to have been a part of The King’s Trust Carol Concert – not just as a performer, but as a Young Ambassador. I’ve always been passionate about music, and the support I’ve had from The Trust gave me the confidence to keep going and share that passion with others. It’s a night I’ll never forget.”

Sam Ryder Praises Trust’s Mission to Support Young People

Singer and songwriter Sam Ryder, a long-standing supporter of The King’s Trust, described the concert as a special start to the festive season.

He said:

“It is an honour to perform at The King’s Trust’s Carol Concert to start the festive season. I am so proud to be able to support The Trust in its mission of ending youth unemployment, and performing in such a beautiful setting made it a truly memorable evening.”

Cunard’s 18-Year Partnership with The King’s Trust

The evening was proudly supported by Cunard, which has partnered with The King’s Trust since 2007. Over eighteen years, Cunard has raised more than £3.5 million for programmes that help young people build confidence and develop skills for careers, including opportunities within the travel industry.

Cunard President Katie McAlister said:

“We are incredibly proud to once again support The King’s Trust and to be the headline partner of this year’s Carol Concert. It is a truly special event that brings people together to celebrate the spirit of the season and the life changing work of The Trust.

“Our partnership now spans eighteen years and continues to be something that holds great pride for everyone at Cunard.”

American Airlines Strengthens Support

This year, the event also welcomed support from American Airlines, whose partnership is helping The Trust expand access to young people who need support to succeed in work, education or training.

Magic Classical, a media partner of this year’s concert, will broadcast the full event on Christmas Eve at 7pm on Digital Radio, smart speakers and the Rayo app.

About The King’s Trust

The King’s Trust supports tens of thousands of young people each year, helping them build confidence and develop skills to realise their potential. Three in four young people taking part in Trust programmes move into work, education or training.