A magical night of Christmas song
Reporter: MARINA BERRY
Date published: 16 December 2011
Photo: Darren Robinson
SINGING from the same songsheet: Diggle School Choir members Emelia Godley (left) and Abigail Cummings
FESTIVE music rang out at Oldham Parish Church yesterday at the Oldham Chronicle’s annual Festival of Carols.
The popular event brought a sprinkling of festive spirit to the town, and the stage provided a platform for local musicians, both young and old. From the first notes of Euan Kneale’s treble solo, the packed church was in great voice and thoroughly entertained.
Soloists Jayne Bradbury and Tony Jackson gave voice to traditional Christmas songs, sweet strains from choirs filled the church and bands gave rousing performances.
Organist Les Garner accompanied an audience of over 500 as they joined in some of the nation’s best loved carols, from “Once in Royal David’s City” to “O Come All Ye Faithful.”
The festival was conducted by the Vicar of Oldham, The Rev Derek Palmer and hosted by Marjorie Stephinson and organised with the help of Oldham Choir’s director of music Eileen Bentley.
And the bumper line-up included marvellous contributions from St Mary’s C of E School, High Crompton, Crompton House School Band conducted by head boy Ben Conway, The Oldham Choir, Diggle School Choir, Oldham International Choir, Alexandra Park School Steel Band and Christ Church C of E School, Chadderton.
One of the most moving parts of the evening was a “When a Child is Born” solo by St Mary’s Year-6 pupil Jacob Cook while the choral-speaking group from Christ Church had the congregation laughing with their hilarious rendition of Roald Dahl’s “The Porcupine”.
Philip Hirst, Chronicle managing director, said: "We've been running this festival for more than 30 years and our Pride in Oldham community awards have just celebrated their 10th birthday.
“Together they are a tremendous tribute to the wonderful people of Oldham — folk young and old who are generous, friendly, indefatigable, and as this event always shows, enormously talented. What a great place this is!"
Mrs Stephinson and Mrs Bentley were presented with flowers at the finale as a thank-you for their contributions. Proceeds from the festival will go to the Terence O’Grady Social Club.
