Shrewsbury open air carols hit right festive note

Thousands of people hit Shrewsbury town centre last night to get the festive celebrations off on the right note with Carols in the Square.

The Halfway House Male Voice Choir and the Shropshire Young Performers' Choir helped to pack out the stage while musical accompaniment was provided by the Wem Jubilee Band. And it proved another huge hit with revellers as hoards of people sang shoulder-to-shoulder.

Godfrey Jones, of Harlescott, said the event was the perfect warm-up to Christmas.

He said: "There is always a great atmosphere. If you're not in the Christmas spirit before it, you certainly will be afterwards."

Derek and Maggie McCormack, from Shrewsbury, said it was the first time they had been to the carol concert together and their spirits had been lifted.

Mr McCormack said: "It's wonderful to see so many families here."

Meanwhile, Linda Jones of Meole Brace, said: "The atmosphere was wonderful and I particularly enjoyed the bagpipes at the end.

"One of the best things about it is that everyone joins in with the singing."

The programme of festive favourites saw crowds belting out Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Silent Night, The First Noel and Once in Royal David's City.

And to close the show town crier Martin Wood took to the stage to sound the chimes for Jingle Bells.

BBC Radio Shropshire presenters Eric Smith and Clare Ashford led the event, which was broadcast live to audiences around the globe.

Jointly organised by Shrewsbury Town Council and Shropshire Council, it was also backed by public and private partnership Destination Shrewsbury.

Messages were read out from listeners around the globe including glad tidings from Austria, France, Germany, Canada and Malta.

Tim Page, BBC Programme editor, said it had been another hugely successful event.

The live show will be aired again on Christmas Eve and is currently available on BBC iPlayer.

By Sam Pinnington