Sheffield neighbours get in the spirit of Thursday night doorstep carolling

Communities across Sheffield have been bundling up to stand outside their homes each Thursday night throughout December for some ‘Doorstep Carolling.’
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‘On Your Own Doorstep’ – created by ‘Sheffield Carols’ Facebook group – kicked off at the beginning of the month, with neighbours, singers and musicians from all across the city joining in the weekly sing-song, held at 8pm each Thursday throughout December.

“Carol singing and festive choir concerts is just one more thing that won’t be the same in 2020,” said retired primary teacher Jan Thornton, who came up with the idea for the Christmas campaign.

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"We’ve missed out on a lot this year, but we refuse to miss out on this.

Taken outside the sheltered housing for elderly residents in Stannington - Karen Bolt and her sister playing cornet and other brassTaken outside the sheltered housing for elderly residents in Stannington - Karen Bolt and her sister playing cornet and other brass
Taken outside the sheltered housing for elderly residents in Stannington - Karen Bolt and her sister playing cornet and other brass

"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.”

And the 71-year-old, of Stannington, reveals 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 next carols will be While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks, and Sweet Bells on December 17, with the Christmas campaign ending on the fourth Thursday, Christmas Eve, with a rendition of Away in a Manger, followed, fittingly, by We Wish You a Merry Christmas.

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Lyrics for each week’s carol will be posted on the Sheffield Carols Facebook page, in local shops, and – of course – in The Star.

Sebastian Bissell, son of Vanessa Bissell, who did the graphics for 'Sheffield Carols'Sebastian Bissell, son of Vanessa Bissell, who did the graphics for 'Sheffield Carols'
Sebastian Bissell, son of Vanessa Bissell, who did the graphics for 'Sheffield Carols'

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

"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.”

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