Our Christmas Carol Service at Wakefield Cathedral is always a much anticipated, special event which marks the festive season in the Wakefield Girls’ community.  This crisp and bright afternoon, 6 December, students from every class made their way with their teachers to fill the cathedral, recognising joy, feeling grateful for all that we have and in celebration of our community.

Welcomed and led by Canon Dr Jayson Rhodes and Headteacher, Heidi-Jayne Boyes, the service featured our choirs, soloists, musical accompaniment and readings by students from different faiths across the school. The service included Walking In The Air featuring Year 7 soloist Lucy Keyworth,  God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen featuring soloist Antonia Maddan, A Flower In Winter performed by our under 11 choir and Foundation Chorus, Kate Rusby. Our choirs and congregation sang Joy To The World ,The First Nowell, O Come, All Ye Faithful and a rousing finale – Merry Christmas Everybody.

Thank you to Canon Dr Rhodes for thoughts and blessings, to Governor and Chair of Wakefield Girls’, Mr Shevill for sharing a Christmas poem, to Mr Meredith for musical arrangements and to our students who shared their fabulous artwork, readings and reflections.

Part of our service incorporated how we can support those in need.  This year, charitable donations will be made to the Hawwa Appeal,  a UK-based national and international Humanitarian aid charity.  Inspired by empathy, generosity and selflessness, the charity aims to alleviate suffering across the UK and the world, focusing on disadvantaged communities. The Hawwa Appeal specifically provides mental health and wellbeing support for refugees in the West Yorkshire area. If you would like to donate, you can do so here.