Children sing their hearts out for a good cause
Primary school pupils from across Oxfordshire are preparing to sing their hearts out as part of a Christmas fundraiser organised by the County Music Service.
The ‘Big Christmas Sing’, in support of Christian Aid, will run for three consecutive nights at Oxford Town hall, starting at 6.30pm today (Tuesday 29 November), followed by performances at the same time tomorrow and Thursday.
More than 800 children from 31 primary and special schools from across Oxfordshire will perform their favourite Christmas songs and carols, before they all come together on stage for a massed choir finale singing two songs - ‘Tree of Light’ and ‘Good Time Christmas’. There will also be carols for the audience to sing.
The event will be watched by parents, family and friends who have purchased tickets, with funds raised going to Christian Aid’s work overseas.
Tickets
There are a few tickets still available for members of the public. Contact Oxfordshire County Music Service on 01865 816978 for tickets or buy them on the door (adults £4.50; child/concession £2.50)
Successful partnership
The music will be co-ordinated by Liz Stock for the Oxfordshire County Music Service, joined by Anwen Homes and Phil Evans from Christian Aid to help compere the event.
Liz said: “This is the ninth year we have worked in partnership with Christian Aid to promote this event. The Oxford Town Hall is a lovely venue, and places are always in great demand, so an extra night was planned for this year.
"Last year over £2,000 was raised. We are hoping that over £20,000 will have been raised over the nine years by the end of this year’s events."
Anwen Holmes, Christian Aid Regional Coordinator, said: “The Big Christmas Sing is a great occasion for all the family, and we’re very excited to be running it over three nights this year. With all the hard work the children have put in, we are sure they will be fantastic festive concerts, and of course it will also raise money for a very worthy cause."
The following schools will be taking part:
Tuesday Schools: Windmill Primary School, Headington; Beckley CE Primary School; Ewelme CE Primary School; Eynsham Primary School; SS Mary & John CE Primary School, Oxford; St Peter's CE Primary School, Cassington; William Fletcher Primary School, Yarnton; Buckland CE Primary School; Chesterton Primary School; Longfields Primary School, Bicester
Wednesday Schools: North Leigh CE Primary School; Hill View Primary School, Banbury; Tackley CE Primary School; Botley School; Sandhills CP School; St John the Evangelist CE Primary School, Carterton; St Andrews CE School, Headington; St Blaise Primary School; Long Wittenham Primary School; South Stoke Primary School
Thursday Schools: South Moreton Primary School; Fir Tree Junior School, Wallingford; Gateway Primary School, Carterton; Stanford-in-the-Vale CE Primary School; St Francis CE Primary School, Oxford; Brookside Primary School, Bicester; Garsington Primary School; Middle Barton School; Watlington Primary School; Blackbird Academy Trust; Kingfisher School, Abingdon.