This week St Mary’s Parish Church, on the Causeway in Horsham, hosted the Collyer’s Carol Concert. The packed congregation enjoyed an evening of festive music, dance and dramatic performance.

Canon Guy Bridgewater was extremely impressed: “It’s been a fantastic evening. The students have once again demonstrated their outstanding creative talents for us all to enjoy”.

Parents, friends, staff and the Horsham community were treated to superb dramatic readings from Nick Henman, Johnny Fenton, Izzy Nomkuca, Jess Jackson, Patrick Riley and Anya Saternus. The congregation enjoyed performances of ‘Please Come Home for Christmas’, sung by Gemma Surridge; ‘Fairytale of New York” sung by James Hepher and Izzy Nomkuca; and ‘O Holy Night’ sung by Chloe Miles. 

Musicians on the night were: Chris Henman and the Music Technology Department (for pre-recorded music); Dan Mannion and Aiden Scanlon (Sax); Annie Nye (piano); George Murrell (Drums);  Kieran Carter (Cello); Nick Collins (bass guitar); David Buchanan (accordion); Christian Machin and Joe Seal (guitar); The Collyer’s Sinfonia and the college Choir were conducted by Head of Music, Dominic Leitner; the congregation were also treated to wonderful performances by the college’s superb New Ground Dance Company.  

Melanie Russell, Collyer’s Assistant Principal, was ecstatic: “I’ve attended some excellent Collyer’s Carol concerts over past couple of decades and this was without doubt the best ever. What a night!”

The evening closed with a beautiful performance of ‘Silent Night’ by the Choir, Collyer’s Sinfonia and the congregation.

The Principal, Dr Jackie Johnston was thrilled: “Huge thanks must go to Canon Guy Bridgewater and all at St Mary’s for hosting the event. We are also extremely grateful to the students and staff who have made the festive occasion possible. Three hundred pounds has been raised tonight to support Help for Heroes and our charitable projects in Tanzania – which is a fantastic effort!”