The Girls’ Division Great Hall was filled with choral voices at the annual Ceremony of Carols. In addition to pupils, parents and family members, the Mayor and Mayoress of Bolton, School Governors, the Heads of School, former and current staff and Old Girls were in attendance for this very special festival occasion.
Guests were entertained on their way into the Great Hall by a brass band playing by the School’s Christmas tree. Then, when everyone was assembled, the evening began in darkness with the ‘Hodie’ as the Chamber Choir processed into position in darkness. ‘Once in Royal David’s City’ then opened proceedings in traditional fashion. What followed was a magical evening of poignant readings and carols, sung by the Lower and Upper School Choirs, the Chamber Choir, the Accidentals and the whole congregation.
‘Adeste Fideles’ closed the Ceremony of Carols in rousing style, followed by the ‘Hodie’ procession as the Hall once again fell into darkness. After a resounding round of applause for all of the musicians and readers, everyone was invited to gather in the Riley Centre’s Leverhulme Suite for drinks, mince pies and other festive treats. Guests as they departed made generous contributions to a retiring collection in support of Wipe Your Tears, a Bolton charity dedicated to supporting vulnerable children and their families in times of crisis.
Photos from the evening:
