District's carol tradition is revived at cathedral concert

Ella, 16, will sing local, traditional carols as well as pieces from Benjamin Britten's Ceremony of Carols, accompanied by the Sheffield Cathedral choir.

The singer was formerly a chorister in Sheffield Cathedral choir herself, where her father is director of music.

A spokesman for Sheffield Cathedral said: "The local carols have their roots in the vernacular tradition of playing musical instruments to accompany carols and other sacred music in churches prior to the introduction of the organ.

"On becoming redundant these church bands and 'quires' did not, however, disappear altogether. They simply moved their music into their community, visiting houses and hostelries for example.

"Although this tradition has largely died out, it still survives in some villages around Sheffield, usually – though not exclusively – centred at a village pub.

"The style of performance may also vary. At the Black Bull in Ecclesfield, the carols are unaccompanied. An organ accompanies the carols at the Royal Hotel in Dungworth, whereas it is a piano at the Blue Ball in Worrall and the Traveller's Rest in Oughtibridge. In Grenoside a string band leads the singing.

"Whatever the performance style, and whatever the venue, these local carols form an important part of our local history, cultural tradition and identity."

Sunday's concert begins at the cathedral at 6.30pm.