A wonderfully festive atmosphere filled St Andrews Church, Westcliff-on-Sea, on Saturday 21st December 2024 as Southend Bach Choir welcomed friends, family and the wider community to A Carol Concert in aid of HARP.

Under the direction of Roger Humphrey, with Andrew Palmer at the organ, the evening offered a generous mix of well-loved traditional carols, uplifting modern favourites and moments of quiet reflection. From the joyful opening of John Rutter’s Joy to the World to the much-loved In the Bleak Midwinter and the celebratory close of The Twelve Days of Christmas, the programme captured the full spirit of the season.

Audience participation was very much part of the evening, with everyone invited to sing along to familiar carols including Once in Royal David’s City, O Come, All Ye Faithful and Hark! The Herald Angels Sing. Seasonal readings and solo moments were woven throughout the programme, adding warmth, meaning and a sense of shared celebration.

Thanks to Gaz de Vere for permission to use the photos.

The concert also marked another valued opportunity to support HARP, Southend’s homelessness charity. A retiring collection helped raise funds for their essential work supporting people experiencing homelessness across the town, reminding us all of the importance of compassion and community at this time of year.

With festive refreshments enjoyed afterwards and plenty of Christmas cheer to go around, the evening was a heartfelt way to round off the choir’s year — sharing music, generosity and goodwill as Christmas approached.