Hundreds of Harrogate school children for biggest Christmas Concert

Now firmly part of the town’s festival calendar, the concert at 6pm will see over 500 performers perform a programme of modern and traditional Christmas music – including items from Spain and those written in Swahili.

Oatlands Juniors School choir will feature as well as children from Western, St. Peter’s, Birstwith, Saltergate, Willow Tree, Belmont Grosvenor, Coppice Valley in Harrogate plus Aspin, St. Mary’s, Starbeck, Goldsborough and Sicklinghall.

They will be joined by a full symphonic orchestra courtesy of Harrogate Symphony Orchestra and more than 100 adult singers courtesy of Harrogate Choral Society.

The children will be singing songs including Cool School Concert, Good Time Christmas and Here Comes Christmas as well as joining the orchestra for a performance of the popular Reindeer on the Roof.

They will be joined by the Harrogate Choral Society in pieces such as Silent Night, Jingle Bells and a whole host of other traditional songs.

There will also be an opportunity for the audience to join in with some of the songs and carols.

Stephen Morland who has formed a huge choir for the event said: “At Oatlands Juniors we’re absolutely delighted to be taking part in this year’s Harrogate Christmas Concert.

“I know from my own school days that it will be a memory which will live with them forever!”

Two people who particularly look forward to this traditional highlight of Harrogate’s festive calendar are Marilynne Davies of Harrogate Choral Society and Bryan Western of Harrogate Symphony Orchestra.

Bryan said: “There is nothing better to start the Christmas festivities than coming to experience the atmosphere created by these wonderful performers.”

Marilynne said the pupils’ youthful enthusiasm “always ensures everyone leaves the event full of the Christmas spirit”.

Tickets are available at the Harrogate Theatre Box Office in person, by calling 01423 502116 or online at www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk or on the door.