Ripon event hailed a huge success as schoolchildren showcase their talent

Hundreds of Ripon schoolchildren have played an integral role in kickstarting the city’s Christmas celebrations in spectacular style.
The concert at Holy Trinity Church wowed the audience and invited guests.The concert at Holy Trinity Church wowed the audience and invited guests.
The concert at Holy Trinity Church wowed the audience and invited guests.

More than 200 children proudly took part in the breathtaking carol concert at Holy Trinity Church, which has got even bigger and better each year.

Brilliantly organised by city resident Andrew Roberts, and accompanied on the piano and organ by Prima Musica’s hugely talented Helen Johnson, the participating primary schools included Bishop Monkton, Burton Leonard, Fountains, Kirkby Malzeard, Sharow, Skelton and Newby Hall, Grewelthorpe, St Nicholas - West Tanfield, Markington, and North Stainley.

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This year’s concert saw the 20th anniversary of Only a Babe, a song written by Andrew with Rachel Brookes - a moving carol which pupils performed with sign language that they had been taught.

Concert organiser Andrew Roberts conducts for the choir.Concert organiser Andrew Roberts conducts for the choir.
Concert organiser Andrew Roberts conducts for the choir.

Andrew said: “The children were fantastic, and sang with such enthusiasm. They excelled themselves in the singing and signing of Only a Babe.”

Sam Donaldson, a teacher at Kirkby Malzeard CE Primary School, said: “It is always such a wonderful, well-organised event and really marks the start of Christmas celebrations in school. The children of Kirkby Malzeard love the annual event, and it is such a joy to share their enthusiasm for the performing arts at the concert.”

Commenting on behalf of Bishop Monkton Primary School, Kay Cairns said: “I was immensely proud of all of the children who sang and performed so beautifully. A particular highlight for me was when all of the children from the different schools within the Ripon and Rural District joined together to sing and sign Only a Babe.

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"An amazing achievement, and testament to all of the hard work and enthusiasm from Andrew Roberts and the children.”

The concert, which was generously supported by The Mukherjee Trust, raised more than £300 to support the Harrogate Street Aid which helps the homeless, and Kajo Keji College in South Sudan.

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