CAROLS, CAMELS AND CHRISTMAS!

Christmas came early to Portsmouth when primary-aged children from schools across the city came together for Portsmouth Music Hub's Special Christmas Concert, taking place at the Catholic Cathedral on Thursday (6 December).

A Wise Man and his camels make their entrance!

The children performed The Landlord's Cat. This musical adaptation of the Nativity includes all the familiar characters including Mary and Joseph, the wise men, camels, shepherds and sheep, but the story is told from the unique perspective of the Landlord's cat.

Kimmie, aged 10, from Cliffdale Primary Academy said: "I loved singing and signing the songs with all the children from other schools. I liked the camels, they were really funny."

The Special Christmas Concert has been running for the past 15 years. It gives children from mainstream and special schools the opportunity to work together, and to share their passion for music, dancing and drama. The children were joined on stage by members of the Salvation Army Band, who gave up their time to perform traditional Christmas favourites including Away in a Manger and We Wish You a Merry Christmas.

Emily Horner, Events Officer at Portsmouth Music Hub said after the concert: "Everyone who attends the special Christmas Celebration comes away with a smile on their face; it's an uplifting experience. The children's enthusiasm is infectious, they really are having a wonderful time, and it's fantastic to see children with very different needs and backgrounds working together and enjoying the spirit of Christmas.’

She continued: ‘There are no barriers, no prejudices, everyone is here to perform and have fun, and that powerful message is what makes this concert and Christmas so unforgettable."