Carols in the Car Park

Christmas Cheer is alive and well in our little hometown, as hundreds gathered into the Salvation Army car park to enjoy an evening of Christmas Carols.

Members of both the Palmerston North and Levin Salvation Army Bands combined to provide the necessary musical component of the evening, and a choir of little angels sang their hearts out.  This was made of up children from several local schools, and many of them were sporting halos and looking particularly angelic.

Youngsters sat on the mat in front of the chairs, and two little girls sporting Santa Hats caught the eye of the photographer from one of the local newspapers.  After clicking away, and asking them questions, the journalist then went to check with their Mum if she could use their photo in the next issue.  Permission was given, and everyone was happy.  Imagine the excitement when the two little ones see their photo in the paper!

The crowd sang along to all the well loved Christmas carols, such as Away in the Manger, The First Nowell, and Silent Night.    Readings were made by the MC, our Mayor, and the Headmaster of the local High School.  And the combined forces of well known Super Heroes made an appearance.  They had heard that a new hero who would be combating evil was on the way, but they didn’t know who it was or where to find him.

Super Heroes out looking for someone special

Eventually, they worked out who he was and tracked him down in the manger.

As well as enjoying the carols, we were entertained by several young performers.  Come and see them before they are famous, the programme said.  One young lad, aged 13, had the most wonderful voice, and will be a heart throb to many young girls, I’m sure.  And this young lady, with her powerful voice, had me enthralled with her version of Leonard Cohen’s wonderful composition “Hallelujah”.

Most of the audience didn’t let a few rain sprinkles dampen their evening, although some of the parents and their families left early.  It was a wonderful night, and the Salvation Army ladies kept everyone supplied with hot drinks and home baked shortbread.