7 Days of Christmas
Portsmouth Music Hub celebrated the run up to Christmas producing a week of special events and concerts.
On Monday 5 December hundreds of children from local schools wrapped up well and gathered on the steps of the Guildhall in Portsmouth to sing traditional carols. They were joined by the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth and Father Christmas who were part of an audience of proud parents and members of the public enjoying the sights and sounds of excited young singers bringing the festive spirit to the heart of Portsmouth.
Two days later young people from the Music Hub's Ensembles performed a concert at St. Mary's Church in Fratton. The event was the culmination of weeks of rehearsals from the Hub choirs, orchestra and wind bands, and the audience enjoyed a packed programme of music including Frosty the Snowman and The Twelve Days of Christmas.
On Thursday 8 December the Music Hub brought together more than 100 primary-aged children from special schools and mainstream schools to perform a Christmas Nativity at Portsmouth Cathedral. The Nativity 'Not Such a Silent Night' is the story of Lenny the Lamb who runs away from home. Lenny soon realises that running away is probably a bad idea, and on his way home, guided by the star of Bethlehem, he meets a puppy, a camel, a donkey, a cat, various sheep and a heavenly host of angels. It was a playful twist on the traditional Nativity, and included acting, songs, dance and unforgettable costumes.
Finally, On Monday 12 December, the Music Hub's young Rock Bands performed a celebratory evening of music at the Guildhall in Portsmouth. It was a night of soloists, drummers, singers and electric guitars, and a spectacular end to a week of festive entertainment.
Sue Beckett, CEO of Portsmouth Music Hub said: "This year we wanted to reach as many young people as possible, and get them involved with a whole series of cultural events. Christmas is the perfect time to enjoy all kinds of music and to bring people together, and this year we've been able to engage with hundreds of Portsmouth's young people, who have produced some truly memorable concerts."