Thousands of people brought the spirit of Christmas into Newbury Market Place this past Friday for the first Newbury Christmas Sing-Along. Performances from local choirs, musicians and the UK’s leading Bublé tribute act were well received by the community.
The free event, organised by Greenham Trust and Visit Newbury was a magical, musical extravaganza. Seasonal songs performed by a host of choirs, including children from local schools, filled the town and the award-winning Cold Ash brass band added the perfect festive accompaniment.
“This event is what Christmas is really about. Singing together, as a community was really heart-warming,” said Chris Boulton, Chief Executive of Greenham Trust. “It has been an absolute delight to see so many people from our community enjoying the music and enjoying each other’s company throughout this festive event.
“A huge thank you to all the schools that participated, to local music teachers Nic and Sarah Cope who helped the children prepare their songs and to our excellent compère during the evening, Adam Kotz. Cold Ash Brass Band and The Cromwell Singers were brilliant and Ultimate Bublé was the perfect finale.”
The crowd sang along to Christmas favourites such as Jingle Bells, O Come All ye Faithful and Twelve Days of Christmas before the School choirs entertained the crowd to a performance of The Star. Ultimate Bublé had everyone dancing along. Mark Daniels, Michael Bublé tribute act said, “Wow! What a night, what a place and what an incredible community. The overwhelming togetherness of the Newbury crowd was just amazing. It was such an enjoyable show to perform and I can’t wait to come back again!”
A sea of festive hats, jumpers and laughter from younger children enjoying the music completed the Christmas atmosphere. “This was a brilliant event,” said Russell Downing, CEO of Newbury BID. “It has been a pleasure working with Greenham Trust to make Newbury’s first festive sing-along happen and I very much hope this will become a Newbury Christmas tradition for many years to come.”
Local charity, Newbury Soup Kitchen was the event’s chosen charity this year. Volunteers spent the evening dancing and collecting donations to support local rough sleepers. Meryl Praill, Soup Kitchen founder and general manager said, “We are so thankful for the generosity of the local community for all the donations and acts of kindness we have received.” The charity was delighted to raise £835.52 from the evening which will go towards supporting rough sleepers this winter.
Photo Credit: Mark Davies Photography
