First Lions Christmas concert is a big hit

First Lions Christmas concert is a big hit

18 December 2013

OVER 500 people gathered together in St Patrick’s Grammar School, Downpatrick, on Friday night to sing carols and be entertained by Downshire Brass, Matthew Campbell, Jana Walsh and local school choirs and ensembles.

The event — the first of its kind for Downpatrick Lions — was a huge success with the programme offering a winning mix of the traditional and the modern.

As usual, Matthew Campbell gave flawless performances both as a soloist and when supported by the St Patrick’s Grammar School choir and orchestra.

Jana Walsh delighted everyone with her ‘Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire’ and ‘Christmas Dreams’, while Downpatrick Primary School choir sparkled in their tinsel and totally charmed the huge audience with their enthusiasm and talent.

It can also be officially revealed that instead of decking the halls with boughs of holly, Knockevin Special School choir would prefer their halls decked with much more interesting ‘crispy wee sausages’ — their favourites at this time of year.

After their performance of the specially adapted carol, Patrick Trainor from the choir instructed everyone to rise to their feet as he conducted them in the song making sure that all bottoms were wiggled during the Fa La Las.

“It was a great way to get into the Christmas Spirit and everyone had a great time,” Lions president Brendan Kearney said.

“Our aim was to raise enough to provide an additional defibrillator for Downpatrick by doing something that would be both different and enjoyable for everyone, and I’m pleased to say that we have achieved both.”