The mellifluous carols of Christmas chimed throughout the University of Bolton Stadium’s Premier Suite on Monday evening when over 1,000 people sang out their hearts at the annual Bolton Wanderers Christmas Carol service.
Hosted by the club’s chaplain, Phil Mason, and Tower FM’s breakfast presenter, Jon Holling, the audience were treated to an array of favourite Christmas carols which were led by the Rivington & Adlington Brass Band under the musical direction of Matt Whitfield.
A massed children’s choir of 200 children, assembled from schools across the local area and directed by Carolyn Hudson of ALFA Education, had everybody on their feet with renditions of classical festive favourites.
Also in attendance were Bolton Wanderers first team goalkeeper Remi Matthews, the club’s CEO Emma Beaugeard and cast members of the Octagon Theatre’s production of Treasure Island, which is being performed in the Premier Suite throughout December.
A special recital of ‘O Holy Night’ was sung by 15-year-old Lucy Thomas from Wigan, who is already creating a huge impression with her incredibly pure and powerful voice which has already captivated audiences across the country with her sensational performance on ITV’s ‘The Voice Kids’ in 2018.
Christmas lessons were read by David Bagley, CEO of Urban Outreach, Keith Armstrong, the chaplain for Bolton Town Centre and Middlebrook Retail Park and Genese Warburton, the director of Boom Dance Group, who directed two stunning performances throughout the evening.
Phi Mason said: “Our annual Christmas Carol service is increasing in popularity year on year and Monday night’s service was our best attended one yet. It was a wonderful evening that was packed with local talent.
“It also reminded us of the true reason behind Christmas and also the importance of being a family club.
“I’d like to thank everybody who attended, including the amazing choirs, our special guests and the Octagon Theatre for allowing us to use the Treasure Island set as well as the technical help and support they provided on the night.”
A recording of the show will be broadcast on 107.4 Tower FM on Christmas morning between 6am and 7am and on the Tower FM website from 7am.