Coffee & Cake Concert - Holy Trinity Church Bottisham

The concert is entitled " The History of our Christmas Carols" Stuart Field raconteur and violin, Sarah Maxwell soprano and Richard Ayres Organ. Stuart will recount how as long ago as the Celts, songs were sung to celebrate the Winter Solstice in December. After the emergence of Christianity Latin hymns of praise were being sung but these were elitist being sung in Latin. In 1223 Francis of Assisi played a role in the development of the Christmas Carol with the performance of a Nativity Scene with music. Prince Albert pushed for a more liberal and festive celebration of Christmas and the tradition of caroling appeared. However it was not until Christmas Eve of 1880 when in Truro Cathedral the first carol service was performed under the direction of the Bishop Edward White, nearly 40 years before it was started in Kings College Chapel. A number of traditional carols will be explored, looking at the origin of the words and music. Sarah will sing a solo for the first verse while the congregation will be invited to join in the remainder of the verses. Coffee and Cake will be served prior to the concert and there will be a suggested donationof £5 - children free.