festival of Christmas

It was great this evening to welcome parents and carers to a superb evening of music and song from our awesomely talented students and staff, and even to an homage to one of the most iconic moments from comedy legends the Two Ronnies from our very own SLT, but we'll get to that later!

The festival began with the Senior Choir channelling the spirit of East 17 with Stay Another Day, a performance undiminished by the absence of the white parka coats usually associated with this song courtesy of its legendary video.

 

The audience were then invited to join in with O Little Town of Bethlehem, the first of several carols, before the opening reading of the evening by Year 12s Charlie and Pat.

We were then treated to a searing, spine-tingling Festive Medley from Cheluchi and Zion, that featured a truly outstanding performance of O Holy Night:

There were many amazing solo vocal and instrumental performances, including Maddie's rendition of Sia's Snowman:

And Evelyn's Wieniawski violin concerto:

The UGS Band performed Mary's Boy Child, arranged by Mr Harrison:

 

And the GCSE Band gave an effective but subtle interpretation of la Carey's All I Want for Christmas is You:

It was an absolute delight to enjoy Diego's piano skills on Buble's It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas:

And Isabelle and Abi's harp and vocal duet on Ave Maria:

Before the grand finale, there was a comedy interlude courtesy of SLT, with a UGS interpretation of Four Candles, the Two Ronnies` staple to many a family Christmas:

 

It was then time for the joyful grand finale from all ensembles, with the Ronettes's version of Sleigh Ride:

 

Mrs Wall rounded off this fabulous evening by paying tribute and thanks to all of the performers and contributors, students and staff alike, and to everyone who had made the event possible by organising, leading, orchestrating and setting up.

 

With huge thanks to Ms Langham, Mr Harrison, the Performing Arts department and associated staff, and our wonderfully talented students from all year groups for this truly seasonal delight, to all the staff who contributed behind the scenes and centre stage, and to all who attended this evening.