Animals

Yorkshire Vet adds festive cheer to The Donkey Sanctuary carol concert

Good News Post

Dec 9, 2025 — 3 min read

Peter Wright with Honey the Donkey - Credit The Donkey Sanctuary

By Animals Correspondent

The Donkey Sanctuary in Devon was illuminated by the warm glow of thousands of candles on Friday evening, as the charity held its annual Carols by Candlelight service.

Hosted by celebrant and former BBC Radio Bristol presenter, Emma Britton, The Donkey Sanctuary’s choir led proceedings with some well-known festive tunes, which included Away in a Manger, O Little Town of Bethlehem, and of course – Little Donkey.

*Donkeys in the main barn - Image The Donkey Sanctuary*

The Donkey Sanctuary’s ambassador, Peter Wright, wore a specially-made Christmas jumper featuring two of the sanctuary’s adoption donkeys, Maverick and Peanut.

Peter, a veterinary surgeon who is best known to many as one of the stars of Channel 5’s The Yorkshire Vet, spoke of some of his experiences he has had during his six years with the charity.

Heavy rain didn’t dampen the spirits as more than 200 people gathered in the Donkey Assisted Activities centre in the heart of the Sidmouth sanctuary for the main service, while the onsite restaurant, The Kitchen, was open so visitors could enjoy some warm refreshments and watch the concert shown on screens inside.

The event was also live-streamed via the charity’s website so people could watch from the comfort of their own home too.

A feature of the evening is the non-flame candles placed along the walkways and buildings across the Sidmouth sanctuary, ensuring the evening had true festive sparkle.

*Walkways surrounded with candles - Image credit The Donkey Sanctuary*

The evening concluded with a very unique version of The Twelve Days of Christmas, where the traditional lines were replaced by ones much more fitting to the resident donkeys, such as Five Gold Rings becoming Five Bales of Hay.

*The Donkey Sanctuary Choir - Image - The Donkey Sanctuary*

For those who missed the Carols by Candlelight event, it can be viewed again via The Donkey Sanctuary website: Carols by Candlelight | The Donkey Sanctuary

The Sidmouth sanctuary is open 365 days a year (the restaurant and Gift Shop are closed just for Christmas Day). Winter opening hours are from 9am – 4pm. Entry and parking are free and dogs on leads are welcome.

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