Cracking Start to Christmas

The 65th Anniversary of York's Annual Community Carol Concert proved to be a great success.

An enjoyable afternoon's entertainment with local school choirs, groups and bands.

Shepherd Group Youth Brass Band were the backbone of the afternoon - on stage for a full three hours. They accompanied the community carols as well as playing as the audience entered and left the auditorium.

Badger Hill School Choir sang We Three Kings and The Calypso Carol to rapturous applause from the audience.

Track 29 Ladies Close Harmony Choir, singing acappella, started with Hark to the Bells followed by a moving version of O Holy Night.

York Stage School impressed with an upbeat medley of Christmas at the Movies before the children were invited onto the stage to sing Jingle Bells and, complete with tambourines, did not fail to entertain those in the audience.

It was only appropriate that Snappy the Dragon made an appearance (Snappy is one of the charities being supported this year) and he joined with Rev Andrew Foster in one of his amazing magic tricks.

A pictorial tribute was paid to former President and Musical Director, John Warburon, who sadly died in March this year. Rev Andrew Foster described his contribution to the Carol Concert over the years, making 39 appearances in all. Mike Pratt then led the audience into While Shepherds Watched to the tune of Ilkla moor bah' tat - one of John's favourite renditions.

Carol Concert favourite, Steve Cassidy led the joint choirs in a festive Christmas medley of winter favouirites with the audience joining in as the snow fell onto the Barbican stage and the children and choirs below.

A wonderful afternoon concluded with the traditional recessional Carol of O Come all ye faithful.

Proceeds from the concert will be divided between the Lord Mayor and Sheriff of York's Christmas Cheer Fund and The Snappy Trust.

All images: Anna Mehta