Hear ye, hear ye! Cumberland Choral Arts invites the community to step back into the splendor of the Renaissance for one enchanted evening as A Yuletide Feaste returns to Cumberland County on Saturday, Dec. 6. For one night only, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and her Royal Court will welcome guests to a grand holiday banquet filled with music, merriment, wassail, and pageantry—all to support the mission of CCA and its programs.
This year’s Feaste will take place at Salem Methodist Church, located at 2165 Middle Road, chosen not only for its capacity and kitchen facilities but also as part of CCA’s ongoing effort to reach communities throughout the entire county.
“There are so many communities outside of Fayetteville's city limits that we want to reach,” explains Elizabeth Wise, CCA Vice President and the evening’s Queen Elizabeth. “We are ‘Cumberland’ Choral Arts, after all.”
The evening begins when the Queen’s Banquet Hall opens at 6 p.m., with festivities commencing promptly at 6:30 p.m. A plentiful feast will be served, offering a traditional holiday banquet complete with a hearty meal, flowing wassail to warm the spirit, and figgy pudding to sweeten the celebration.
The idea for A Yuletide Feaste blossomed during CCA’s European performance tour in April 2024.
“A small group of us sat around reminiscing about when Methodist University’s chorale put on a Yuletide Feaste,” Wise recalls. “We had the crazy idea to resurrect that event with Cross Creek Chorale, and thus the tradition has continued.”
CCA President Sandy Cage adds that the group had long sought a fundraising event that showcased their artistic strengths.
“That evening discussion in Prague was the spark. Our first attempt was more of a ‘fun’raiser—we basically broke even. We hope that with donors and sponsors, it will become a true fundraiser this year.”
Guests attending the Feaste can expect an immersive production combining medieval dining, live choral performance, and interactive theatre.
“It’s a medieval dinner theater where guests are serenaded and occasionally invited to participate in Queen Elizabeth’s Christmas feast,” Wise explains. “There will be singing, eating, and most importantly, wassail!”
The Cross Creek Chorale plays a central role in bringing the court to life.
“We are the court,” says Wise. “We provide the music and merriment through song and dramatic acting. It is our job to transport you out of Fayetteville to Elizabethan England for the evening.”
The result is a fully immersive experience—from period costumes and historic décor to traditional carols and holiday favorites.
Musically, the program blends authentic Renaissance pieces with familiar seasonal works.
“The music is a mix,” says Artistic Director Curt Kinzey. “We wanted to include authentic music of the time period, but also songs that elicit the holiday spirit.”
But beyond the festive atmosphere, the event carries an important purpose.
“All proceeds from A Yuletide Feaste go right back into the community,” Cage explains.
Funds support CCA’s concert season, collaborative musicians, venue costs, and the Campbellton Youth Chorus—a no-tuition choral program for students in grades 4 through 10.
“Concert ticket prices only cover a small percentage of costs. We rely on sponsors, donations, and grants.”
The Feaste also serves as an introduction to choral music for newcomers.
“Some may come for the holiday entertainment without knowing whether they like choral music,” Kinzey notes. “It may serve as a fun and novel introduction.”
Ultimately, CCA hopes guests leave with more than a full stomach.
“I hope they will leave with hearts full of holiday spirit and a sense that quality fine arts are alive and well in our community,” Kinzey reflects.
Cage adds that the evening closes with a meaningful message from the Queen: “Let us henceforth journey together into a new, harmonious year, and perhaps, we should pray not that we keep Christmas but that Christmas keeps us.”
A limited number of seats are available, and all tickets must be purchased online by Nov. 30. Tickets are $65 and include a regular or vegetarian meal option. While royal attire is encouraged, it is not required—only a spirit of merriment and wassail. To purchase tickets, visit https://secure.givelively.org/event/cumberland-choral-arts/a-yuletide-feaste-fundraiser.

(Queen Elizabeth welcomes Feaste goers during A Yuletide Feaste in 2024. Cumberland Choral Arts is bringing their Feaste back again this year. Photo courtesy of Cumberland Choral Arts)