Children dazzle at charity carol concert

The spirit of the Christmas season was perfectly captured by children from local schools at the Borough Mayor’s annual carol concert.

Around 280 pupils representing 18 schools took part in the sold-out event, which was held at Loddon Valley Leisure Centre in Lower Earley on Sunday 8 December.

The children sang beautifully and were accompanied by a 50-strong orchestra from Berkshire Music Trust, led by musical director James Baker. They performed to an audience of about 650 people, including family, friends and local dignitaries.

Songs included Once in Royal David’s City, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen and Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town, with a finale of Hark! The Herald Angels Sing. 

The carol concert was raising money for First Day’s Children’s Charity, which is the nominated charity of the year for Borough Mayor Cllr Adrian Mather.

He was in attendance, along with Deputy Lord Lieutenant Dr Stefan Fafinski, High Sheriff Alexander Barfield, Deputy Mayor Cllr Carol Jewell and local MPs Clive Jones and Yuan Yang. 

Cllr Mather said: “This is always one of the highlights of the year and I was blown away by the quality of the signing and the playing. Lots of hard work goes in behind the scenes to pull together this special event and it was a pleasure to watch from start to finish.

“James Baker led the orchestra masterfully and made the most of every opportunity to involve the audience, telling us about how much the children enjoyed particular songs and encouraging us to join in with the carols. I was particularly pleased by how generous the audience donated to First Days when we collected at the end, capping off a fantastic event.”

The schools taking part in the concert included: Alder Grove Primary School, Aldryngton Primary School, Bearwood Primary School, Emmbrook Junior School, Farley Hill Primary School, Finchampstead CE Aided Primary School, Gorse Ride Junior School, Grazeley Parochial CE Aided Primary School, Highwood Primary School, Lambs Lane Primary School, Nine Mile Ride Primary School, Rivermead Primary School, Sonning Primary School, South Lake Primary School, St Cecilia's Primary School, St Dominic Savio Catholic Primary School, St Paul's CE Junior School and Whiteknights Primary School.

First Days Children’s Charity was founded in 2013 and supports families suffering from financial hardship. It offers emotional, practical and peer support and coaching, as well as distributing items to families who are struggling to help them thrive.

Berkshire Music Trust is an independent charity that works across Berkshire to educate, inspire and encourage children, young people and adults to start musical journeys. It has been providing opportunities for more than 40 years, teaching instrumental and singing lessons in and outside of schools.