As promised, information about how, what, where, and when for this years carols—a fully fledged, brass supported, sing your hearts out, Christmas carol session around Highfields (again).

We’ll be gathering at numbers 9 and 10 at 7:15 pm (ish) for a 7:30 pm (ish) start on Friday the 22^nd. I say “ish” because, as is traditional on these occasions, there will be “refreshments” before we set out (if all goes to plan, mulled wine, hot chocolate and nibbles).

A few details to keep in mind:

We’ll be meeting outside (there will be a bloody big gazebo if its damp). Dress appropriately.
There will be refreshments – mulled wine and hot chocolate (for the littles and those who don’t like mulled wine – odd I know, but it does happen) and probably mince pies. Feel free to drop off offerings during the day at numbers 2, 9 or 10.
Save the planet. Please bring your own cup/mug to be filled with good cheer.
Dogs, babies, cats, pushchairs, wheelchairs, Zimmer frames (have I forgotten anything?) all welcome.
A special truncated song book has been produced (see below). You can still use an old song book for most of the carols if you have one lying around. The running order has a cross reference for the old song number. Torches to help with seeing what you’re singing are recommended.
If you’re going down the electronic route, downloading the songbook BEFORE start is strongly recommended.

As with previous years…

WE WILL NOT BE COLLECTING ANY MONEY

It’s just for fun.

(Though plying us with more “refreshments” as we go around would not go amiss – purely to keep the cold out of course – hint, hint).

If you really, really feel the need, make a donation to your favourite charity.

Please tell your neighbours we’re coming around (especially the electronically challenged and/or elderly) and give them an approximate time. Some older residents hide because they are intimidated by the dreaded carol singers demanding money with menaces after singing one verse of “We Wish You A Merry Christmas”. It would be a pity for them to miss out.

Running order

We’re being a bit adventurous this year and singing some things we haven’t sung for a while (or indeed ever) and some different tunes. Things to note in particular: “Angels from Realms of Glory” is new; we haven’t sung “In Dulci Jubilo” for a while; and we’re singing an alternative tune for “O Little Town of Bethlehem“.

They’re in the music section (see below) and also linked here.

Familiarising yourself with the adventurous bits before hand is strongly recommended. Sooooo. Homework (it will get you in the mood if nothing else).

#	Song	(Old/full song book order)
1.	Oh Come All Ye Faithful / Adeste Fideles – 4 verses (1 English, 1 Latin, 2 & 3 English)	(4)
2.	The First Noel – 4 verses (1, 2, 3, 8)	(1)
3.	Angels from Realms of Glory – 3 verses (1, 2, 3)	(36)
4.	God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen – 3 verses (1, 3, 8)	(2)
5.	In Dulci Jubilo – 4 verses (1, 2, 3, 4)	(32)
6.	The Holly and the Ivy – 4 verses (1, 2, 3, 6)	(11)
7.	In The Bleak Midwinter – 3 verses (1, 2, 5)	(16)
8.	O Little Town of Bethlehem – 4 verses (1, 2, 3, 4)	(18)
9.	Good King Wenceslas – 5 verses	(8)
10.	Ding! Dong! Merrily on High – 3 verses (1, 2, 3)	(6)
11.	Hark! The Herald Angels Sing – 3 verses (1, 2, 3)	(15)
12.	Jingle Bells – 3 verses (1, 2, 3)	(7)
13.	Deck the Hall / Nos Galan – 3 verses (English only)	(13)
14.	We Wish You a Merry Christmas – 4 verses	(28)