Sheffield group's 'carolling' campaign goes global - will you be joining in this Christmas?

Retired primary teacher, Jan Thornton, created the ‘Sheffield Carols’ Facebook group last month, in a bid to inspire people in her local area to join in singing carols from their own doorsteps.

And now the 71-year-old has revealed she’s been delighted by a flurry of messages from all across the UK, as well as France, Spain, Mexico and the US, from people eager to join in the weekly sing-song, held each Thursday throughout December

“Sadly, carol singing and festive choir concerts is just one more thing that won’t be the same in 2020,” says Jan, of Stannington.

"It’s been a grim time for all of us in recent months, and we’ve missed out on a lot this year, but we refuse to miss out on this.

"We need a Christmas carol fix, this year more than ever, so we’re asking people to stand on their doorsteps, at 8pm each Thursday – just like they did for the NHS clap - and join in that week’s chosen carol.”

‘On Your Own Doorstep’ will begin on December 3, with The First Noel, followed by Hark! The Herald Angels Sing on December 10, and While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks, and Sweet Bells on December 17.

The Christmas campaign will end on the fourth Thursday, Christmas Eve, with a rendition of Away in a Manger, followed, fittingly, by We Wish You a Merry Christmas.

Lyrics for each week’s carol will be posted on the Sheffield Carols Facebook page, and in Stannington – where Jan lives – the lyrics will also be posted in local shops, and in the local church magazine.

Jan says a number of local musicians have already pledged to play along on their doorsteps; an idea she hopes musicians in other towns and cities will also embrace.

"Throughout the pandemic, we’ve missed our family and our friends, but our neighbours have been there for us,” says Jan.

"We’ve had lots of waves, cheery smiles, conversations over fences, and traded the odd loaf of bread or cup of sugar.

"It’s what has kept many of us going during a dark and difficult period.

"Christmas is going to be unusual this year, with people unable to see loved ones, or attend the usual events, so we want to take this opportunity to spread Christmas cheer, and remind each other that we’re all still out there.

"We’re issuing a call-out to communities everywhere to get involved, rallying people on their own streets, and in care homes, to sing out and let their voices be heard.

"It’s support also for the lonely and the vulnerable who can’t leave their homes; they’ll be able to hear their communities singing out and feel less alone, and even join in.

"We need to support each other – we’re all in this together.

"Just think how much joy it could bring if everyone joined in.”

Visit ‘Sheffield Carols’ on Facebook to join the group, and for more details.