'Christmas Crackers' 2023
A Festive Frenzy:at Victoria Hall, December 16th, 2023
On a brisk December night, the iconic Victoria Hall, at Settle, draped in the spirit of the season, played host to a sold-out spectacle:
The "Christmas Crackers" concert.
With every seat filled and anticipation crackling in the air, it was clear this wasn't just any ordinary festive performance. This was a night
promising to explode with merriment and musical magic, and explode it did, exceeding even the most hopeful expectations.
From the moment the curtains rose, the audience was swept away on a joyous sleigh ride through a cornucopia of Christmas classics. "The Voices of Craven" Choir, led by the dynamic Darren Everhart and accompanied by the talented Ellie Everhart, delivered each beloved carol and holiday tune with infectious enthusiasm and polished skill. Whether it was the soaring harmonies of "Believe," the ethereal beauty of "Oh Holy Night," or the foot-stomping energy of "Sleigh Ride," every note resonated with the spirit of the season, tugging at heartstrings and igniting smiles in equal measure.
The atmosphere pulsed with the warmth of shared joy. Laughter rang out like sleigh bells as audience members donned festive hats and joined in on singalongs, transforming the Hall into a giant, joyous Christmas chorus.
Adding to the merriment was a delightful boogie of carols performed by Darren and Ellie Everhart, their playful energy and expertise leaving the
audience roaring with festive cheer.
But the "Christmas Cracker" wasn't just about nostalgia and singalongs. It was also a celebration of musical prowess. Under the leadership of the
charismatic Kevin Maltby, the “Giggleswick and Settle Brass Band” showcased a vibrant repertoire, from the sentimental ballad "Fairytale of New York" to lively instrumental pieces that left the audience awestruck.
The sheer musical talent on display was a testament to the enduring legacy of Victoria Hall, a stage that has witnessed history unfold through the lens of music.
As the finale drew near, the performers and audience came together in a final, glorious rendition of "Christmas Festival," by Leroy Anderson, voices weaving a tapestry of festive cheer that reverberated through the hall and out into the crisp December night.
The applause that followed was thunderous, a standing ovation that spoke volumes about the night's magic.
The "Christmas Cracker" wasn't just a concert; it was an experience. It was a reminder of the power of music to unite, to celebrate, and to fill hearts with joy. It was a vibrant tapestry woven from tradition, talent, and unbridled festive spirit. And as the last notes faded away, leaving behind a lingering echo of Christmas magic, one thing was certain: this festive "Cracker" had truly lived up to its name, exploding with a bang that would resonate long after the lights dimmed and the curtain fell.
'carols by candlelight' 2023
A Festive Harmony at the Coniston Hotel
On the crisp December evening of the 6th, the Coniston Hotel nestled in the Yorkshire Dales played host to a heartwarming concert that perfectly captured the spirit of the season.
The Voices of Craven Community Choir, a vibrant group known for their passion and dedication to music, filled the elegant hotel with their harmonious voices, offering a program of beloved carols and festive cheer to a sell-out audience enjoying a candlelit dinner.
Stepping into the Coniston Hotel's warmly lit space was like entering a winter wonderland. Soft candlelight danced on the tables, casting a
warm glow on the faces of the audience. The anticipation crackled as the choir members took their places.
As the first notes of “Once in Royal David's City,” rang out, a hush fell over the room.
The choir's voices, rich and blended, soared through the air, filling every corner with their pure emotion. The program, a carefully curated selection of traditional and contemporary carols, resonated with the audience, young and old. From the timeless classics like "Away in a Manger" and "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" to the more upbeat renditions of "Sleigh Ride" and "Have Yourself a Merry Christmas."
The choir's performance was a delightful mix of nostalgia and festive cheer. But it wasn't just the flawless execution of the carols that captivated the audience. The choir's infectious enthusiasm and genuine love for the music shone through every note. Their smiles were as bright as the candlelight, and their energy was contagious, drawing the audience into the Christmas spirit.
There were moments of pure magic, like the solo performance of "O Holy Night," which brought tears of joy to the eyes of many listeners.
The audience responded with rapt attention and appreciative applause.
They swayed to the familiar melodies, hummed along softly, and joined in the carol singing with gusto. The warm glow of the candles, the beautiful music, and the shared festive spirit created a truly special atmosphere that lingered long after the final note had faded.
The Voices of Craven's Carols by Candlelight concert was a resounding success. It was a perfect blend of musical talent, festive joy, and community spirit, offering a heartwarming reminder of the magic of the season. The choir's performance left a lasting impression on the audience, reminding them of the power of music to bring people together and create lasting memories.
'Raising the rafters for Settle Pop-Up Pantry' 2023
We were delighted to have been invited by Darren and Ellie to take part in the Settle Community Carol Concert on Sunday 10th December.
What a joy it was to listen to and sing with other local choirs, and to be accompanied by the marvellous Settle Orchestra , the latter including Ellie who demonstrated her amazing versatility in playing both cello and percussion … not at the same time of course!
Singing in a massed choir is a stirring experience and I am sure that all the singers from VOC were amazed by the fabulous sound we were all able to produce together. There is a depth and resonance to a very large choir and it was truly uplifting to be a part of it.
Darren and Ellie had no idea what the size of the audience would be as it was not ticketed, with a retiring collection going to the Settle Pop-Up Pantry.
As it turned out, the Holy Ascension Church pews were full and the rear of the church was packed with standing audience members. The congregation really entered into the spirit of the event, adding to the depth and volume in the community carols – this was certainly ‘Singing in exultation” at its best.
VOC singers are so pleased to have participated in this wonderful event in aid of such a worthy cause.
Coniston Hotel's 'Christmas market' 2023
The Voices of Craven mini-choir went down well with shoppers at the Coniston Hotel’s Christmas market on 26th November. Accompanied by pianist Elaine Dave, the choir performed a selection of traditional Christmas carols and soon drew an audience into the hotel’s conservatory. The choir performed two sessions, with a short break in between to enjoy the delicious hog roast sandwiches and mulled wine on offer. On returning for the second performance, those watching were invited to join in, which they did with gusto, commenting afterwards that now they had heard and sung carols, Christmas had truly begun!
VOICES OF CRAVEN SELL-OUT CHRISTMAS CONCERTS 2022
The Voices of Craven Choir (VOC) is enjoying a wonderfully successful and extremely busy Christmas season. The fun began on 7th December when the choir, led by Simon Watkins, once again entertained Christmas diners at the annual 'Carols by Candlelight' at the Coniston Hotel.
The Voices of Craven Choir (VOC) is enjoying a wonderfully successful and extremely busy Christmas season. The fun began on 7th December when the choir, led by Simon Watkins, once again entertained Christmas diners at the annual 'Carols by Candlelight' at the Coniston Hotel.
The Voices of Craven Choir (VOC) is enjoying a wonderfully successful and extremely busy Christmas season. The fun began on 7th December when the choir, led by Simon Watkins, once again entertained Christmas diners at the annual 'Carols by Candlelight' at the Coniston Hotel.
The event, which was fully booked, saw the choir singing a wide range of Christmas music, traditional and modern, as well as showcasing the accompanist, Mike Nicholas, as he performed two solo sets. There was also the opportunity for diners to show of their own singing skills with some traditional communal carol singing.
As this was the
The event, which was fully booked, saw the choir singing a wide range of Christmas music, traditional and modern, as well as showcasing the accompanist, Mike Nicholas, as he performed two solo sets. There was also the opportunity for diners to show of their own singing skills with some traditional communal carol singing.
As this was the first of three Christmas concerts for the choir, it was heartening to receive so many glowing comments.
'Stunning singing.’
'A wonderful programme, beautifully performed.'
‘ The singers looked to be having as much fun as we were.’
‘A perfect start to the festive season.’
VOC’s next performance, exactly a week later, saw the choir, again led by Simon, breaking new ground in a collaboration with the renowned Giggleswick and Settle Brass Band under the baton of Kevin Maltby.
The Voices of Craven Choir (VOC) is enjoying a wonderfully successful and extremely busy Christmas season. The fun began on 7th December when the choir, led by Simon Watkins, once again entertained Christmas diners at the annual 'Carols by Candlelight' at the Coniston Hotel.
The Voices of Craven Choir (VOC) is enjoying a wonderfully successful and extremely busy Christmas season. The fun began on 7th December when the choir, led by Simon Watkins, once again entertained Christmas diners at the annual 'Carols by Candlelight' at the Coniston Hotel.
There was a real air of excitement as the wonderful Settle Victoria Hall, beautifully decorated and lit for Christmas, filled to capacity with enthusiastic concert-goers. There could hardly be a more festive backdrop to a Christmas event than this gorgeous Music Hall with coloured lights twinkling on brass instruments and on the sequins o
There was a real air of excitement as the wonderful Settle Victoria Hall, beautifully decorated and lit for Christmas, filled to capacity with enthusiastic concert-goers. There could hardly be a more festive backdrop to a Christmas event than this gorgeous Music Hall with coloured lights twinkling on brass instruments and on the sequins of lady choir members and see above 'Five Gold Rings'.
This was a concert to remember, with a diverse programme, ranging from the band’s wistful and evocative rendering of ‘The Coventry Carol’ , the choir’s bouncing performance of ‘Ding Dong Merrily on High’ to the Bavarian delights of ‘Schneewalzer’ played by the band and accompanied by the choir singing in German, all ably supported by the enthusiastic audience who threw themselves into the action, having already partridged-in-a-pear tree, turtle-doved , milked and danced with the choir’s ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’.
Coming to a close with communal carols and the stunning ‘A Christmas Festival’ by Leroy Anderson, performed by band and choir, this was a concert enjoyed by all, and one which will be repeated.
The audience again left this magical evening of music with the following wonderful comments for the performers.
‘ What a gorgeous combination of voices and instruments.’
‘Perfect Christmas programme.’
‘Fabulous to hear the band and the choir together.’
'A fun-filled evening.’
‘Can we book for next year?’
'Really enjoyed last night. You all sounded brilliant and who doesn't love a brass band!!'
VOC’s next performance was at Gargrave Village Hall, again a week later. This time the choir was led by Darren Everhart.
The Voices of Craven Choir (VOC) is enjoying a wonderfully successful and extremely busy Christmas season. The fun began on 7th December when the choir, led by Simon Watkins, once again entertained Christmas diners at the annual 'Carols by Candlelight' at the Coniston Hotel.
VOC’s next performance was at Gargrave Village Hall, again a week later. This time the choir was led by Darren Everhart.
One of the great joys of the festive season is spending time with family, friends and neighbours, sharing the joy of Christmas. This sentiment was certainly at the heart of the Christmas concert held at Gargrave Village Hall on December 21st.
As our audience arrived, we noticed that nearly all were sporting festive jumpers, antlers
One of the great joys of the festive season is spending time with family, friends and neighbours, sharing the joy of Christmas. This sentiment was certainly at the heart of the Christmas concert held at Gargrave Village Hall on December 21st.
As our audience arrived, we noticed that nearly all were sporting festive jumpers, antlers and sparkly accessories. There was even a Christmas tree hat and a very fetching elf. That was just the adult audience members - the children had also gone to town on their outfits and were clearly ready for the fun.
It was another marvellous evening. Along with a varied festive programme from the choir, our accompanist, Mike Nicholas, also performed two beautiful solo sets to a very appreciative audience. The first half concluded with a lively rendition of Schneewalzer, with the audience joining in to create a truly Bavarian atmosphere.
Fortified with mulled wine and mince pies, the audience returned after the interval in great voice and really raised the roof singing carols and festive songs with the choir. With sleigh bells ringing and smiles on every face, the last hour of a very busy concert season was certainly an absolute joy for everyone.
To bring the evening to a close, the children were rewarded with selection boxes for their beautiful rendition of ‘Away in A Manger’. Not to be outdone, the adults also received goodies for their fantastic fancy dress.
We were delighted to have ended our Christmas season with such a special event, and, from the comments received subsequently, it was clearly a very popular start to the Christmas week.
other concerts held in 2022
Another sell out concert held at The Town Hall at Skipton
Following on from the success of the concert at Skipton Town Hall Voices of Craven then performed a very well attended concert at Saint Alkelda's, Giggleswick.