Carols at the Substation

The Carols at the Substation was a wonderful night for our community to come together and welcome in the Christmas season.  The Newport Community Choir led the singing of the carols as well as performing their own pieces including the lovely Australian 'Carol of the Birds'.  Simon Leverton performed 2 English carols that drew on his enthusiasm for Morris Dancing (hence the costume) and got the evening off to a fine start with Somerset Wassail and Sans Day Carol and then The First Noel.  The Newport Carols Orchestra, an all ages ensemble, lead by Simon Harvey, provided the accompaniment to each of the carols.  Newport Lakes PS, lead by Kathy Hirsche, came along in 2 groups and entertained one and all with a set of 4 Christmas songs, and also lead the community singing for Away in a Manger and Joy to the World.  Proceedings were most ably lead by Nola Wilson who provided an insight into the joy of Christmas and of the often surprising impact that music can have on people.  The night was then rounded off by young Hayley Edwards who sang Mozart's 'L'ho perduta, me meschina', from the Marriage of Figaro and then O Holy Night - absolutely beautiful!.  Hayley stayed to join the choir and the community in a beautiful rendition of Silent Night, and then a most rousing version of We Wish You A Merry Christmas.   What a lovely night.