Last month, St. Mary’s College in Crosby presented its annual feast of Christmas music.

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Students, staff and their families gathered at a packed SS Peter and Paul Church on Liverpool Road. They enjoyed the traditional carol service which has long been a highlight of the school’s Yuletide calendar.

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Amidst the surroundings of the stunning 130-year-old church, the concert featured a wide-ranging selection of readings, carols and instrumental and choral performances. It was co-ordinated by the college’s director of music Andrew Byers with assistance from music teacher Colin Johnston and school chaplain Ann Marie Engelbrecht.

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The evening included both traditional carols and more modern festive favourites. There were contributions from the school’s Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Choir and Lower School Choir plus enthusiastic involvement from audience members.

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Highlights of this year’s programme included a modern arrangement of the medieval festive song Sir Christemas by William Mathias. Popular carols like Hark! the Herald Angels Sing and Once in Royal David’s City, and singalong favourites like Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Winter Wonderland were also crowd pleasers.

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The final item was a rousing rendition of We Wish You a Merry Christmas which everyone in the church took part in. The evening continued in festive fashion with mulled wine, soft drinks and mince pies served back at the school.

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Commenting on the concert, music director, Andrew Byers, said: “Once again the standard of musicianship at the carol concert was incredibly high and I would like to thank all the students who took part for their hard work and commitment in preparing for the event.

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“Our pupils are always willing and ready to take on a musical challenge like this one, and in doing so very successfully they have once again proved to be outstanding ambassadors for St. Mary’s.”

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College principal, Mike Kennedy, added: “The carol concert is one of our most popular events with families so it was no surprise to see that the church was once again packed to the rafters for this year’s service.

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“Audience members were treated to a string of excellent performances during the course of an evening which was, as always, a fabulous way to start the festive season and to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.”