‘Twas the week before Christmas…’ and I had a hankering for some festive cheer and Christmas carols. And what better place to find that than at a carol concert held in the magnificent Sherborne Abbey?
I arrived early to have a wander through the town and look at the seasonal decorations and window displays. It felt very festive to see all the twinkling lights and Christmas trees against the backdrop of Sherborne’s beautiful, historic buildings
The abbey is one of the jewels in the town’s crown (in addition to its two castles). A huge and impressive structure dating back to 705 AD, it’s the perfect place to sing out some carols and soak up the Christmas atmosphere.
People were already starting to gather outside the abbey entrance by the time I got there. It was good that I arrived early as I was able to easily find a place on a pew – unlike those who came later when it was standing room only. It’s obviously a well-loved tradition with the locals.
The inside of the abbey was decked out with a Christmas tree and advent candles with plenty of holly and ivy. Waiting for the concert to start, I couldn’t help but notice the ornate ceiling with its fine medieval tracery. In awe I spent quite a lot of time gazing upwards (no doubt the intention of the original architect 🙂).
The concert got underway with Once in Royal David’s City, beautifully sung by a soloist (although we were all allowed to sing along from verse two onwards!). This was followed by more classic carols (Little Town of Bethlehem, O Come, All Ye Faithful, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing to name a few) as well as accompaniment from the excellent Sherborne Town Band, the sound of the brass instruments was immense in the high vaulted chantry.
The Abbey’s childrens’ choir and recorder group were really talented and added to the lovely festive atmosphere. By the end, as the town band played us all out to Sleigh Ride, I think everyone had a festive spring in their step, I know I did.
It was the perfect way to officially get Christmas underway, and I’ll definitely be back next year!
Emma @Foot Trails
Sherborne features as part of our Wessex Ancient Kingdom, inn to inn, Foot Trail.
