CHRISTMAS is fast approaching and it can only mean one thing – it is time for Kentwood Show Choir’s festive extravaganza.

This year the group, which has been belting it out in Swindon for no fewer than 51 years, has planned a real corker full of seasonal favourites, heaps of festive cheer and even a few surprises.

With music from Aldbourne Band, and appearances from guest of honour Phil Steventon and the Open Door Choir, Christmas Cracker promises to launch the countdown to the holidays in style.

“We have been performing Christmas-themed shows for over 30 years, and Kentwood Choir will bring a wonderful show full of seasonal surprises and Christmas cheer,” says founder Sheila Harrod.

“Some of our singers have been with the choir over 30 years while the core of the choir still exists with some having played a part for 51 years – from the very beginning.”

After leaving school and finding herself bored with working as an accounts clerk and bank cashier, Ms Harrod was recruited as music teacher at Wroughton Secondary School.

She began teaching private students at home in her father’s front room, and from these humble beginnings blossomed the Kentwood Show Choir.

“I started the choir officially in 1964. My little corgi dog had come from a kennels in Oxford called The Kentwood Kennels so I called my choir Kentwood,” she said.

Kentwood Show Choir has notched up some prestigious concerts including performing with Cleo Laine and John Dankworth at their Golden Jubilee Concert at the Royal Albert Hall and singing for Prince Philip’s 80th birthday at Windsor Castle.

The group has also performed in Germany, Austria, California, Poland, Romania, Ireland and Spain. Through its concert programme, the choir has helped to raise more than £1 million for local and national charities.

In recent years, members have showcased their talent at Guildford Cathedral and Salisbury Cathedral.

They have also appeared in Song of Praise.

The show will be on Sunday, November 22 at 4pm and 8pm.

Tickets are £14. To book call 01793 524481, or visit swindontheatres.co.uk.

— MARION SAUVEBOIS