Carols concert to celebrate 50 years of festive cheer

THROUGHOUT the last half century, it has become an annual tradition for many of York’s residents without which Christmas simply would not be Christmas.

Carols in Kirkgate, which sees carol singers in period costume perform on the recreated Victorian street at York Castle Museum, will celebrate its 50th year in December. And to mark the landmark occasion, a Christmas carol has been written by well-known Yorkshire composer Alan Simmons.

A CD of the York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir and the Kirkgate Singers performing the carols is also being released.

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The York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir’s chairman, Tony Suckling, said: “It is fantastic that the carols in Kirkgate have become a real tradition in York. For many people it is the start of their festive programme.”

Back in 1962, the museum’s curator Robert Patterson had the idea to bring the Kirkgate street alive be creating a perfect Victorian Christmas scene – complete with carol singers. He joined forces with the musical director of the York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir, Richard B Lister, to stage the first event that year.

Tickets for this year’s event, which will be held between December 6 and 10 as well as December 13, will go on sale on October 3.

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