Our annual Carol Service, held on Tuesday, 10th December 2024, at St. Andrew’s Church was a truly magical evening, bringing together the Burgess Hill Girls community to celebrate the joy and wonder of Christmas. The church, beautifully adorned for the season, was filled with the harmonious voices of the students, whose performances left the audience in awe.
The service began with a warm welcome by Youth Pastor Dean Gargano and a heartfelt welcome from Deputy Head Girls, Ashana Dhamrait and Annabel Cordell. From the very first notes of “Once in Royal David’s City,” sung by Year 7 soloist Anaïs Greenwood, it was clear that this was going to be an unforgettable evening.
Throughout the evening, the girls showcased their remarkable talent, performing a range of carols and choral pieces that celebrated the beauty and meaning of Christmas. The Year 5 & 6 Choir brought John Rutter’s “Candlelight Carol” to life with an angelic delicacy that captured the hearts of everyone present. The Chamber Choir’s moving rendition of “A Night of Angels” filled the church with a sense of awe, while the Senior Choir’s performance of “Silent Night” was a moment of serene beauty.
These extraordinary performances would not have been possible without the outstanding leadership and expertise of our Senior Musical Director, David Black, and our Prep School Music Teacher, Nicola Hickey. Their dedication, guidance, and passion for music shone through every note sung by the students.
Between the music, students from across year groups delivered lessons from the Bible that illuminated the story of Christ’s birth. Their readings, from the prophecies of Isaiah and Micah to the shepherds’ journey to the manger, were delivered with poise and clarity, bringing the ancient words vividly to life. Reverend Felicity Davies offered a reflective message that tied together the evening’s themes, leaving the congregation with a deep sense of the spiritual significance of the season.
The night was made even more special by the collaboration of the choirs. Their closing performance of “Bethlehem,” featuring both the Prep and Senior School Choirs, was a powerful and emotive highlight. The congregation’s participation in beloved carols like “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” added to the joy of the evening, as voices rose together in celebration.
The event would not have been possible without the gracious hospitality of St. Andrew’s Church and the support of Brass Fusion, whose accompaniment enhanced the experience for all. The proceeds from the evening were dedicated to St. Andrew’s Church and the Burgess Hill Pantry totalling over £400.
As the service concluded and the congregation departed to the stirring notes of the organ, there was a shared sense of gratitude and festive joy. The girls’ performances were not only a testament to their talent but also to the hard work and dedication they put into making the evening such a resounding success. The Burgess Hill Girls community wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy 2025.
