Choir raises more than £500k for CHAS with Glasgow Christmas concerts

The Springfield Cambridge Festival Chorus and Orchestra (SCFC), based in Bishopbriggs, has raised more than £500,000 for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) through its annual Christmas concerts.

This year’s performance, held at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, raised £40,203, bringing the total amount raised to £542,224 since the choir began supporting CHAS.

The Springfield Cambridge Festival Chorus and Orchestra has raised more than £500,000 for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (Image: SCFC)

The cheque was presented by choir members Joan McGowan and May Murray to Benjamin Morgan, community fundraiser at CHAS, during a dinner at the Eagle Lodge in Bishopbriggs on Wednesday, February 4.

SCFC was first launched by Alan Craig, musical director at Springfield Cambridge Parish Church in Bishopbriggs, in 2002.

Originating as a small voluntary group of singers and musicians presenting a Christmas concert to a church audience, the choir has since grown into a full-scale production involving 126 choir members, a 14-member junior chorus and a 51-piece symphony orchestra.

Working with Bishopbriggs Churches Together over the years, SCFC draws members from multiple congregations and denominations in support of the cause.

The Springfield Cambridge Festival Chorus and Orchestra has raised more than £500,000 for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (Image: SCFC)

The age of choir members ranges from 10 to 92 and includes people from the local community and beyond.

Its dedicated performers commit 10 weeks of rehearsals to prepare for the concert, which attracts an audience of 2000 at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.

All professional musicians involved volunteer their time.

Alan Craig was awarded an MBE in the King’s New Year Honours List on December 30, 2025, for his services to fundraising for children’s hospices.