BBC Daily Service Carol Concert Brings Joy to Manchester Cathedral

Manchester Cathedral was filled with singing and community spirit as the third annual BBC Radio 4 Daily Service Carol Concert took place on Friday, 5th December. For the first time, the event moved from Media City to the heart of the city, reflecting its growing popularity and the strength of choral music across our diocese.

Choirs from Atherton, Chadderton, Hopwood, and Prestwich joined singers from St Ann’s Manchester, Salford Cathedral, and Bolton Parish Church to record carols that will be broadcast across the BBC this Christmas.

The opportunity to take part in the concert was advertised in enews earlier this year and several choirs came forward. Under the guidance of choral leader Harry Mobbs from our Sing My Soul programme, they have been practising ever since ready for the service. Thank you to the choirs at St John’s Church in Hopwood, Bolton Parish Church, St Matthew’s Church, Chadderton, St Margaret’s Church, Prestwich and Atherton Parish Choir for your enthusiasm and commitment to this special service.

Simone Riley from BBC Radio Manchester visited St Margaret’s Prestwich to find out more about how the preparations were going. Dr Carol Porter, Harry Mobbs and members of the choir shared how singing together has many benefits, and their excitement for the concert. Listen back from 1.10.50 for the perfect way to get that festive feeling!

The newly formed Bolton Parish Church Junior Choir delighted audiences with Away in a Manger and Little Donkey, showcasing the impact of our partnership with the BBC in nurturing young voices.

The concert featured a fantastic line-up, including the Daily Service Singers, gospel group Warehouse Worship, the Metropolitan Brass Quintet, and BBC Young Choristers of the Year. Presenters included Bishop David Walker, Dean Rogers Govender, Archdeacon Rachel Mann, Canon Grace Thomas, and BBC’s Swarzy Shire.

A highlight of this event was seeing the choirs shared their excitement on social media, posting photos from rehearsals and the big night. From below left – St Matthew’s Choir, Chadderton, Atherton Parish Choir, St Margaret’s Prestwich and below them St John’s Hopwood Choir and Bolton Parish Choir and Junior Choir. We are so pleased that you enjoyed the experience!

The concert will be broadcast in 5 x 15 min Daily Service programmes on Radio 4 Extra at 9:45am from December 22nd to 26th, and in its entirety on Radio Manchester on Christmas Day, and “Joy to the World” will be featured in BBC Breakfast on Christmas Day.