A feast of songs and beaming smiles

Oldham Chronicle Festival of Carols at Oldham Parish Church. Pic shows St. Mary's Primary School choir, High Crompton.

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IT'S beginning to feel a lot like Christmas - especially after a rousing Festival of Carols at Oldham Parish Church.

The Oldham Evening Chronicle's popular annual event is when the festive season starts for many and it was no different last night as Oldhamers joined in with a range of favourites from traditional carols to modern songs.

The festival has been held at the Parish Church every year since 1980.

Last night it was hosted by former BBC broadcaster Marjorie Stephinson and conducted by Rev Derek Palmer.

It featured a note-perfect performance from the talented Crompton House School Band; St Mary's Primary School Choir, High Crompton; Higher Failsworth Primary School Choral Speaking Group; Mriya Mixed Voice Ukrainian Choir, The Candymen and The Octaves; soloists Eve O'Connor and Chris O'Hara; The Manchester Chorale and organist Jason Hawkins.

It was a hearty mix of the traditional, modern and upbeat fun - with the youngsters from St Mary's and Failsworth giving the packed church prompting laughter and tears in equal measure with their animated renditions of "Merry Christimas to Me" and "Gran, Can You Rap?"

The event also raised funds for the 1-2-3 Give campaign for Dr Kershaw's Hospice, Mahdlo Youth Zone and Action Together with a minimum donation of £2.

Chronicle Managing Editor, David Whaley told the audience: "The Chronicle is very proud that this event has run for so many years and is so well supported by the people of Oldham.

"We have all enjoyed the variety of music on offer tonight and it is telling that when the singers have stepped out onto the stage tonight they smile when they sing. Let's keep smiling!"

• Check out more pictures from Oldham Chronicle Festival of Carols on our picture sales page.