Hereford Cathedral welcomed over 450 children as the Diocese of Hereford Multi-Academy Trust (DHMAT) held its third annual Advent Carol Service yesterday, bringing together pupils from twenty schools across the diocese in a celebration of music and unity.
The service featured a combined choir of children from schools spanning from Condover to Goodrich, including secondary schools; The Hereford CE Academy and Ludlow CE School. This year's theme, "Christmas from around the World," included a range of musical traditions, with performances including "Silent Night" sung in German and the traditional South African carol "Siyahamba."
In preparation for the event, DHMAT's Director of Music, David Evans, and his team visited schools throughout the trust since early November, working with pupils to prepare the choral pieces performed in the cathedral.
Andrew Teale, Chief Executive of DHMAT, said: "It was really wonderful to bring our twenty schools together in the cathedral for our third Advent Carol Service. Thanks to the hard work of children and staff, we managed to create a combined choir of 450 children's voices. Our trust aims to create opportunities for children that are difficult for schools to realise by themselves. Our carol service is a great example of what is possible when schools work together in a close family."
The service featured readings from children and headteachers celebrating the Advent season, including an excerpt from Maya Angelou's "Amazing Peace: A Christmas Poem," read by pupils from St Georges CE and Bishops Castle Primary Schools. The powerful verses spoke of unity and hope, with lines proclaiming: "We rise and stand together on this platform of peace, where joy, hope, and love unite every people, every creed, every nation."
Mr Teale emphasised that music education has a powerful and positive impact on children, and the carol service exemplifies the trust's commitment to musical opportunities for all pupils.
The trust extended its thanks to the Dean and Chapter of Hereford Cathedral and organist Peter Dyke for their support in creating a memorable experience.