Member Article

Choirs full of Christmas cheer at intu Metrocentre

The melodic tones of Prudhoe West Academy and Percy Hedley Foundation @ Northern Counties School have secured joint first place at intu Metrocentre’s Christmas Choir Competition 2017.

Over the last week choirs from schools and singing groups across the north east have been performing in the shopping centre, creating festive joy and raising funds for their chosen charity.

A panel of judges attended every performance and scored choirs in the following four categories: the festive appearance of the choir, singing talent, enthusiasm and the Xtra factor.

The six top rated choirs, Prudhoe West Academy, Biddick Primary, UCKG HelpCentre, Westerhope Primary, Percy Hedley Foundation @ Northern Counties School and Cedars Academy, were then invited back to compete in the final.

Each choir in the final performed their version of ‘Jingle Bells’ as well as another song of their own choosing. Creativity was encouraged so fun, unique interpretations, or modern twists on old favourites earned choirs a valuable extra point or two.

The judging panel was made up of The Mayor of Gateshead, Councillor Pauline Dillon, Gavin Prior, regional centre director of intu Metrocentre, Tracy Allison, owner of Employers in Education, as well as ITV Tyne Tees presenter Rachel Sweeney, who got the final off to a rousing start with a rendition of Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.

Over 200 children took part in the final, and the first place choirs, both made up of 88 children aged between 5 and 9, won over the judges with their enthusiastic performances of Love’s not just for Christmas and All I want for Christmas, and walked away with a £250 intu Gift Card.

Joint second place in the competition was awarded to Cedars Academy and Biddick Primary, and joint third place went to UCKG HelpCentre and Westerhope Primary School, who all received all received a £150 intu Gift Card.

Gavin Prior, regional centre director of intu Metrocentre, said:

“It has been a real joy to showcase so many talented choirs from around the region and hearing the malls ring out with the magical sound of carols once again. Christmas is a time for giving, so it’s gratifying that participating choirs also have the opportunity to raise funds for their chosen charity whilst participating in the competition.

“All of the participants should be very proud of themselves and their fantastic performances. Our shoppers have thoroughly enjoyed the uplifting voices of children embracing the festive season.”

Mandy Davison from Northern Counties School commented:

“We’re ecstatic to have come joint first place at intu Metrocentre’s Christmas choir competition. It goes to show even when you’re deaf you can still enjoy music!

“This is also the first time the children have raised funds for Northern Counties, so to have shown so much confidence and come first place is amazing.”

Katie Gregson from Prudhoe West Academy added:

“This is incredible, I’m bursting with pride. This is the best (and loudest) the children have ever sang, I’m so proud of each and every one of them.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Lyn Spencer .