Christmas 2025

As I am writing, we are currently practising Shepherds Pipe Carol by John Rutter…11 months in advance for next Christmas! Whitsand Harmony always prepares for every concert thoroughly, and Christmas is no exception. 

Last Christmas we had three main concerts…each one very different.
The choir worked hard for all these concerts and at the end of the season we enjoyed a Christmas ‘social’ in which we relaxed and reflected on another successful year completed.

Our thanks must go to Trish our Musical director who worked tirelessly hard and challenged us all in different ways to reach new heights and create new music despite being, for her, a very difficult time. 
Beth

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‘Kick Off Christmas’ Concert 3 December 2025

Whitsand Harmony opened the Christmas season in style with their annual Kick-Off Christmas concert. The evening showcased the choir's versatility and festive spirit with a diverse selection of modern choral pieces, seasonal favourites, and traditional carols.

The program commenced with a selection of traditional carols, such as "I Saw Three Ships," "I Came Upon the Midnight Clear," and the Cornish favourite, "Sans Day Carol." The choir also performed Gabriel’s Message and the Angels’ Chorus, the latter presented as a duet by Trish and Steph.

Seasonal classics followed, including Silent Night (Barry Rose arrangement), On to Bethlehem Town, O Holy Night, and Ding Dong Merrily on High.  Maggie delivered a beautiful solo rendering of Coventry Carol and the choir continued with O Come All Ye Faithful, One Voice, Seal Lullaby, and Bethlehem. 

The second half brought a lighter, more contemporary mood with pieces including The Very Best Time of the Year, White Christmas, Top of the World, Winter Wonderland, and Jingle Bells. We were also treated to audience participation of the Twelve days of Christmas, led with flare by Neil.  The concert concluded with As Long as I Have Music and a joyful rendition of (We Wish You) A Merry Christmas. 

As well as the music provided by the choir, there were nibbles and drinks and a good, well-stocked raffle. Proceeds from the concert were donated to the Liskeard Food Bank.

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Mount Edgcumbe Christmas Fair 13 December 2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mount Edgcumbe Christmas Fair in the middle of December is an annual event where we look forward to singing many traditional favourites in the beautiful house underneath the huge Christmas tree. The choir sang a programme featuring a blend of traditional carols and well‑loved festive songs. The basses and tenors started the concert with a rousing version of the ‘Wassailing song’ and the programme continued with favourites including Sans Day Carol, Gabriel’s Message, Silent Night, Away in a Manger, and While Shepherds Watched (Lyngham).

The choir also performed reflective seasonal pieces such as Holy Night, Bethlehem, and Long Ago on a Winter’s Morning, before lifting the tempo with Ding Dong Merrily on High. The set rounded off with a selection of Christmas classics, including The Very Best Time of the Year, White Christmas, Jingle Bells, and a joyful We Wish You a Merry Christmas.

The programme was warmly received by visitors and locals alike, offering a festive and atmospheric feel to the Christmas celebrations at Mount Edgecumbe.

Traditional Carol Concert, St Nicolas Church 21 December 2025

 

The final concert of our Christmas season was Downderry Christmas Carol service, in which Whitsand Harmony were invited to sing as part of the service. 

St Nicolas Church was filled with festive spirit on Sunday afternoon as residents gathered for the annual Traditional Carol Concert, held this year on 21 December at 3pm. The event brought together local musicians, readers, and community groups for a warm and well‑attended celebration of Christmas.

The concert opened with a welcome from David Watters before the congregation joined in a series of much‑loved carols, supported throughout by the Deviock Brass ensemble. Highlights included “Once in Royal David’s City”, “Hark! The Herald-Angels Sing”—featuring a beautiful solo by Maggie Holden—and the ever‑popular “Good King Wenceslas”.

The choir contributed three pieces of their own, including “On to Bethlehem Town”, “O Holy Night”, and the traditional “Sans Day Carol”. Readings from the Gospel of Luke were delivered by Biddy Daniel and Neil Asprey, reflecting on the nativity story.

A collection taken during “O Come, All Ye Faithful” raised funds to be shared between St Nicolas Church and The Zone, supporting local community work.

The service concluded with prayers led by David Watters, a blessing from Sacha Pearce of Whitsand Harmony, and closing remarks by Adrian Kemp from the Zone Health & Wellbeing Hub.  Attendees were then invited to stay for refreshments, rounding off a warm and communal afternoon.  Organisers described the event as a heartening reminder of the strength of local tradition and the joy of coming together at Christmas.