Over 1,200 people packed the Premier Suite at Macron Stadium on Monday evening to take part in Bolton Wanderers’ annual carol service.
The service was hosted by Club Chaplain Phil Mason and Tower FM presenter Jon Holling and music was provided by the Bolton Hoover Brass Band under the direction of Craig Mann.
All the traditional Christmas carols were sung including the Number One carol of all time Silent Night which is 200 years old this year.
Boom Dance Group performed and an ensemble choir from schools across the area including Harwood Meadows, Highfield, Lostock, Radcliffe Hall, St Brendan’s, Stubbins and St William’s, all brought together by ALFA Education, directed by Carolyn Hudson who offered those in attendance some great festive songs.
There were guest appearances from celebrity members of the Dick Whittington and Pirate Adventure pantomime, which is being performed in the Premier Suite over the festive period, as well as Wanderers ‘keeper Jake Turner and former player and Community Trust ambassador Tony Kelly.
The Service was recorded by Tower FM and will be broadcast on Christmas Day at 8am. It will be repeated online from 9am.
Club Chaplain Phil Mason said: “It was a record turnout this year and it was fantastic to see so many people attend and bring some early Christmas cheer. All those who performed were excellent and a credit to their teachers and parents. It’s great to be able to enjoy all the favourite carols and remind people of the reason for the season.
“A special thanks must go to ALFA, who under the leadership of Carolyn Hudson and her team, have been working alongside schools on our behalf to bring together a very strong and talented children’s choir.
“We would like to thank everybody for attending this year’s event and we hope you enjoy listening to the broadcast on Christmas Day morning.”
Read more at http://www.bwfc.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/carol-service-brings-early-christmas-cheer-at-macron-stadium-3454662.aspx#2oLiEI3I4Rb6jVbd.99