Shoppers gathered under a Christmas tree to join in with a special carol concert.
The Glyndwr University Community Choir joined forces with the Royal Buckley Town Band for an evening concert at Eagles Meadow shopping centre, in Wrexham.
The choir’s chairman, Howard Moyson, says they were delighted to be asked to return to the shopping centre after performing at the busy shopping centre last Christmas.
He said: “It is a real pleasure and all our singers are happy to take part. The choir is made up of students, university staff and members of the public who just enjoy singing.
“We meet every Tuesday evening at 5.30pm at the university and anyone is welcome to come along and join in. Our youngest members are in their teens and the oldest in their late seventies, it doesn’t matter what age or gender you are.”
He added: “We aim to perform one major concert each year under the baton of our conductor, Richard Adamson. However, just singing as a community choir out in Eagles meadow is always a special event.
“I think the public really enjoy listening and joining in. There is a really nice atmosphere and it’s lovely to so many people enjoying the occasion.”
Chris Hurley, who plays the euphonium in the Royal Buckley Town Band, says band members were delighted to support the Glyndwr University Community Choir.
He said: “The band was formed in 1822 and is one of the oldest bands in the region. We have more than 35 members but things get pretty hectic at this time of year so we have members out supporting these type of events all around the area.
“We always enjoy coming to Eagles Meadow. Here is a nice atmosphere and shoppers really do seem to enjoy what we do. Many stop and join in which is always nice.”
Chris, a project manager for a Liverpool boat company, added: “It’s also nice that the shopping centre management invite us along. We all enjoy performing and if we have made a few people smile and think about what Christmas is all about then that’s a good thing.”
Sagarika Giunesekera, and her daughter, Melisha, eight, both of Wrexham, enjoyed joining in and singing carols.
Melisha, a pupil St Giles Primary School, says her favourite carol is Silent Night but she enjoyed all the carols.
Her mum, Sagarika, said: “It is lovely and there is a really nice peaceful atmosphere. It’s cold but the carols warm you up.”
Martin Gwilliam, his partner, Amy Pritchard, and their daughter, Isla, two, of Ruabon, stopped by to join in with the carols as they were out finishing off their Christmas shopping.
Amy said: “There is always something else you discovered you have forgotten. But it was nice to spend a few minutes listening and joining in with the carols.
“The choir sang beautifully and it really made it all Christmassy. I think it is a great idea and it has really made our last minute shopping trip a bit special.”
Martin agreed, adding: “It makes it different and a bit special. I really enjoyed it and appreciate the effort the choir and band put in. Being around the big Christmas tree really made it a nice setting and the atmosphere was really nice.”
According to Eagles Meadow Manager Kevin Critchley, it was a “lovely occasion”.
He said: “The combination of the choir and the band made for a fantastic festive combination. The concert set the tone beautifully as we look forward to the final countdown to the last shopping day on Christmas Eve.”
