Shropshire Star

Thousands of voices join together for Shrewsbury's Carols in the Square

Thousands of people descended on Shrewsbury town centre and raised their voices for the town's annual Carols in the Square concert.

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People of all ages sang favourites such as Silent Night, Away in a Manger and O Come All Ye Faithful during the hour-long open air concert, before the festivities wer brought to a close by a rendition of Jingle Bells.

The event, held in The Square, featured Shrewsbury Brass Band, Shrewsbury Male Voice Choir and Lorna Crosse with the Young Performers' Choir leading the performances.

Organisers believe about 3,000 people took part, and those who participated have been praised for showing their support and getting into the Christmas spirit.

The event as broadcast live by BBC Radio Shropshire, whose presenter Eric Smith hot-footed it from the stage of Theatre Severn where he was performing in the town's pantomime Peter Pan to host the carol singing.

Carols in the Square in Shrewsbury

People also used the evening as an opportunity to do some late night Christmas shopping, while those who couldn't make it in person were able to listen to a live internet streaming of the concert.

It comes just weeks after thousands of people turned out for the switching on of the town's Christmas lights, and Councillor Beverley Baker, mayor of Shrewsbury, said the festive spirit was well and truly alive in the town.

Councillor Baker, who was in fine voice despite battling with a sore throat on the night, said: "It was a really brilliant evening and was so well attended by many, many people.

"Carols in the Square is a great Christmas event and is a good collaboration between Radio Shropshire and Shrewsbury Town Council, as well as Theatre Severn and the Music Hall.

"There were so many fantastic acts like the Shrewsbury Brass Band, Shrewsbury Male Voice Choir and Lorna Crosse, it really was a treat.

"Presenter Eric Smith of course was brilliant as always at whipping the crowd up and getting everybody in the mood and into a good Christmas spirit.

"This was the last great flash for the town centre, with good camaraderie between people in the square before the town starts to wind up for Christmas."

People also took to Twitter to take family pictures during the concert, while projections of Christmas presents and scenes were beamed on to the town's museum and art gallery just off the Square.

Carols in the Square in Shrewsbury
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