Last updated at 15:30, Tuesday, 20 December 2011

MUSIC and drama made for a special night at the Evening Mail Christmas Carol Service.

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Pews were full at the event at St James’ Church, in Blake Street, Barrow, last night.

Besides the traditional carols, the service began with a short play, which set the traditional Christmas story of the shepherds in a modern day workshop.

Instead of seeing an angel, as the shepherds did, the protagonists were haunted by a mysterious voice promising something good to come.

The Reverend Matthew Peat, team rector for North Barrow, said he hoped the play would get people thinking.

He said: “It’s a chance for people to reflect on the story.

“Often we think of the Christmas story as being something from history and something on a Christmas card but it’s actually quite a living story we are invited to reflect upon over time. It’s not a conventional sermon, but it’s something I hope will bring people together and encourage them.”

Mr Peat said the service was just as important for the town as it had ever been.

He said: “It’s a hugely important event for Barrow. They are a chance for us to come together as a town and celebrate what is at the heart of Christmas.

“It’s always a full church and a very happy occasion.”

The drama was enhanced by a thunderous wind that assailed the church and whistled along with the choir.

However, it could not drown out the voices of the St James’ C of E Junior School choir, as they performed It Came Upon A Midnight Clear, The Sound of Angels and Away in a Manger.

Deputy head Joan Johnson said she and the around 40 eight to 11-year-olds had been practising hard since October.

It is a busy period for the award-winning choir, who were performing at the town hall today and have graced various locations around the town in recent weeks.

She said: “They come after school on Thursday evening for an hour and we have tried to squeeze a few extra practices in during the last week. They pick it up very, very quickly.”

First published at 13:08, Wednesday, 14 December 2011
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk