THE Swindon Male Voice Choir is performing a Christmas concert in Old Town next week for the first time in three years.

The Covid pandemic prevented the 2020 event from going ahead and then a sudden surge in the Omicron variant scrapped the 2021 concert three days before it was due to begin.

But, at long last, at 7.30pm on Friday December 16, the choir members will be able to bring back their festive spectacular. Proceeds will go to the Open Door Centre charity.

The choir’s new musical director Kirstie Smith has prepared classic pieces along with a new song ‘By Candle Light’ which will be sung in the historic Christ Church, with guest appearances by the Janice Thompson Performance Trust Concert Choir and the Wroughton Silver Band who, led by Neil Webb.

The audience will get the chance to join in with carol singing, accompanied by the band.

Tickets are still available at £10 each and can be obtained by calling 01793 822495 or emailing swindonmalevoicechoir@msn.com.

Before that, the choir will perform at St Mary’s Church on Cheney Manor Road this Friday, and afterwards, members will be spreading Christmas cheer at The Messenger and The Dockle Farm House pubs on December 19, then pop round several care homes on the 21st and finally celebrate the High Street Club’s 130th anniversary with a carol singalong on December 22 – then have a well-deserved rest. Concert secretary Gordie Smith is looking forward to the coming days, and praised the choir’s new musical director.

He said: “When Kirstie first began, there was much apprehension, but that was coupled with a belief for the choir’s future.

“The choir members quickly adjusted to Kirstie’s enthusiasm and excitement in producing and performing good choral music.

“Within a couple months, they had adjusted to Kirstie’s conducting style and have fully adopted Kirstie as their MD.

“She has adjusted very well to the positive input and support of our deputy MD Kate Lock, and together they are making a very proficient team leading the choir’s music.

“The recent concert at St Paul’s Church was evidence of the growing confidence of both Kirstie and the choir when performing with her.

“We look forward to a positive future with Kirstie at the helm, and very much look forward to our Christmas events with Kirstie and Kate, especially the Christ Church Concert.”