Mayor of Derry and Strabane Hilary McClintock
MAYOR of Derry City and Strabane District Council Hilary McClintock has extended an open invitation to the public to play an active role in her Christmas Choral Gathering by attending a joint rehearsal for the event at the Guildhall this Sunday,December 18.
The Gathering itself will take place on Thursday December 22nd when the City Walls and Guildhall will come alive with festive songs and music for a fitting climax to Council’s ‘Light up your Christmas’ programme with people from all over the City and District taking part.
Choirs and Community Groups have already begun their preparations but members of the public are equally welcome to contribute and Sunday’s rehearsal is an opportunity for them to familiarise themselves with the carols and songs in the programme.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Alderman Hilary McClintock, described the event as the “perfect way to get in the mood” for the festive season.
“I am particularly looking forward to this event which will feature a singing procession around the walls, stopping off at some of the gates for Christmas songs before moving into the Guildhall for a Finale Concert,” she said.
“The concert will feature a mixture of traditional and modern Christmas hymns, songs and poems as well as cross denominational readings.
“It should be a magical evening and the perfect way to get in the mood for your Christmas with family and friends.
“The more members of the public who can get involved the merrier and Sunday’s open rehearsal means it’s not too late to get involved.”
The Waterside Carollers choir will begin the event with a singing procession from Ebrington Square at 6pm which will move over the Peace Bridge and into Guildhall Square for 6.15pm where they will be joined by choirs from the Cityside and Strabane areas for the walk around the walls.
They will stop at Shipquay Gate, Butcher Gate, Bishop’s Gate and Ferryquay Gate to sing Christmas songs and carols before making their way into the Main Hall at the Guildhall at 7.30pm where light refreshments will be served before a multidenominational Christmas reading and carol service at 8pm until approximately 9.30pm.
Event Co-ordinator Alison Morris pointed out that the public can join or leave the event at any time as it makes its way around the city centre.
“This is a particularly busy time for people in the run up to Christmas but even if they are in town socialising or doing their shopping they can take a break and listen to some of the singing at any time as it moves around the walls,” she said.
“Beyond creating an enjoyable experience for residents and visitors to our city, this event is a way to look past the materialistic trappings that surround this very special time of year and remind us all that the true meaning of Christmas is love, family, friendship and community.
“We hope as many people as possible can join us for this fun and meaningful event and the celebration would be greatly enriched by the public’s participation.”
Sunday’s open rehearsal in the Guildhall will be held from 6.30pm and 8.00pm.
There will be a final rehearsal for the Galliagh and surrounding areas Community Workshop on Monday December 19th between 10.30am and 12.30pm at the Galliagh Women’s Group.
The Waterside based Community Groups Workshop’s last rehearsal will be held at the Waterside Theatre on Wednesday December 21st from 11am – 1pm.
Further information on the Mayor’s Christmas Choral Gathering is available by searching for the event Facebook page or by contacting Alison Morris on 07809147721 or E Mailing [email protected].
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