The longest running Choral group in Swindon is holding its annual Christmas show for the first time in three years.

Swindon Choral Society, which is in its 93rd year of existence, will be holding the Christmas concert, called ‘On Christmas Night’, on Saturday, December 17.

The group’s previous two attempts in 2020 and 2021 unfortunately had to be shelved due to the Covid 19 pandemic.

The group’s Publicity Manager, Kath Danswan, 73, welcomed the festive news having been disappointed with cancellations in the past.

“It is wonderful that we sing again. We’re a family and the camaraderie that brings is so important,” she said.

“To sing with professional soloists and orchestras gives them work too, which they badly needed as freelancers during the pandemic.”

Kath, who has lived in Swindon since 1971 after moving from Canvey Island, has been with the group since 1986 after starting out as a guitar and singing teacher at a local school.

Despite this, she is not the longest serving member present, with some people having been involved with the organisation since the early 1970s.

2019 was the last year in which the group celebrated Christmas together and had marked the occasion with a visit from a choir from Macon, Georgia in the United States of America.

“It was great having them over to celebrate our 90th year in operation, and we are hoping to make the return trip in a couple of years’ time,” said Kath.

The Covid pandemic not only affected the Christmas shows but had a negative impact on the numbers of members in the group with membership dropping from 120 to around 90.

“We dropped numbers during Covid because we couldn’t meet,” said Kath.

“People did come back, but we are starting to pick up numbers with new members joining recently.”

Anyone who is considering joining the ever-growing group is invited to do so, with the initiative open to all of those interested.

“We like to encourage as many people as possible to sing with us. All ages and all voices are welcome, with the group already catering for sopranos, altos, tenors and basses,” said Kath.

“It keeps this genre of music alive in the public eye.”

The event in December will be held at Christ Church on Cricklade Street and is set to commence at 6pm.

Prices range from £12 for adults, and £3 for those under the age of 18, with all proceeds going to help maintain the group.