This year’s Ceremony of Carols in the Girls’ Division of Bolton School brought cheer, good spirit and light to a dark and bitterly cold December evening.
Proceedings began with the traditional Hodie, which sees the Chamber Choir progress into the Hall in total darkness save their lantern candles which lead the way. The congregation was immediately on its feet to sing Once in Royal David’s City. It set the tone for rousing communal singing throughout the carol service, which included stirring renditions of While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, O Little Town of Bethlehem, Joy to the World and Adeste Fideles.
Quieter moments were provided by several choirs, including The Chamber Choir, The Senior School Choir, The Lower School Choir and The Accidentals. All were in fine voice as they offered up seasonal classics such as When a Child is Born, In the Bleak Midwinter, A Voice, A Chime, Three Kings from Persian Lands Afar and Still, Still, Still.
The evening was punctuated by a number of reflective readings and prayers, read by Head of the Girls’ Division Mrs Kyle, Head of Foundation Mr Britton and pupils from across the year groups.
The retiring collection raised over £500 for the charity Anastasia Days.
The evening of song, prayer and readings can be watched in full through this link.
A gallery of photos can be viewed through this link.
