Yup. We’re actually singing around the houses again this year. A fully fledged, brass supported, sing your hearts out, Christmas carol session around Highfields.
We’ll be gathering at number 2 at 6:30pm for a 7:00 pm (ish) start on Wednesday the 22nd. I say “ish” because, as is traditional on these occasions, there will be “refreshments” before we set out.
Obviously, these are not normal times so please bear the following in mind:
- We’ll be meeting and staying 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 possibly mince pies. Feel free to drop off offerings during the day.
- Save the planet. Please bring your own cup to be filled with good cheer.
- When singing please be spaced out. Family clumps are okay, but please have your own words (paper or electronic – see links below) so you don’t share with anyone you don’t live with. Torches to help with seeing what you’re singing are recommended.
- A special truncated song book has been produced (see below). You can still use an old song book if you have one lying around. The running order has a cross reference for the old song number.
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 for medicinal purposes of course).
If you really feel the need, make a donation to your favourite charity.
Please tell your neighbours we’re coming around (especially the electronically challenged) 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
|
# |
Song |
(Old song book order) |
|
1. |
God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen – 3 verses (1, 3, 8) |
(2) |
|
2. |
Deck the Hall / Nos Galan – 3 verses (English only) |
(13) |
|
3. |
Oh Come All Ye Faithful / Adeste Fideles – 4 verses (1 English, 1 Latin, 2 & 3 English) |
(4) |
|
4. |
We Three Kings – 3 verses (1, 2, 5) |
(19) |
|
5. |
Silent Night / Stille Nacht / Tawel nos – 4 verses (1 English, 1 German, 1 Welsh, 2 English) |
(5) |
|
6. |
The Holly and the Ivy – 4 verses (1, 2, 3, 6) |
(11) |
|
7. |
All through the night / Ar Hyd Y Nos – 3 verses (1 English, 1 Welsh, 2 English |
(21) |
|
8. |
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing – 3 verses |
(15) |
|
9. |
Good King Wenceslas – 5 verses |
(8) |
|
10. |
Ding! Dong! Merrily on High – 3 verses |
(6) |
|
11. |
The First Noel – 4 verses (1, 2, 3, 8) |
(1) |
|
12. |
Jingle Bells – 3 verses |
(7) |
|
13. |
We Wish You a Merry Christmas – 4 verses |
(28) |
Media and links
Special edition 2021 song book
Music (for those who can’t remember what it’s all supposed to sound like)