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Citywide carol singing planned to celebrate the start of Christmas
“Just before the last lockdown was announced we were chatting over a cup of tea about how we could do something to celebrate the arrival of the Christmas period,” says Ruth Woodsend, one half of Bristol Sings.
Ruth and Jo Waldock are two mums from Bishopston who wanted to “create something magical” and bring the city together over what will be an unusual festive period.
On Saturday, December 5, they want to bring back the community spirit of the UK’s first lockdown with a city-wide singalong of seven Christmas songs and carols.
Taking place at 5.30pm, people can find the lyric sheets on Bristol Sings’ Facebook and Instagram, or at shops along Gloucester Road.
“It doesn’t matter in the slightest if you sing out of tune and it’s a bit wobbly and totally unrehearsed,” says Ruth.
“Our hope is that just like at a football match or singing in a choir, the joy of singing alongside others will create something pretty special and magic.”
“We have heard stories of people in the street offering to bring out instruments but it genuinely can be something as simple as the kids bringing out the jingle bells,” says Ruth. Photo: Ruth Woodsend
Ruth, a secondary school teacher, and Jo, a doctor, initially started the project for people in BS7, but it quickly outgrew itself, spreading throughout the city.
“It is a really simple, free and safe way that every single person could get involved from the comfort of their own doorstep,” says Ruth. “This is a moment to come together while staying safely apart.”
Main photo: Ruth Woodsend
Read more: A new festive show will bring ‘music, sleigh bells and bucketloads of Christmas spirit’ to BS3
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