Carols for All in Derby

Two performances of the 2005 “Carols for All” service at the Derby Playhouse, sponsored by the Derby Central Salvation Army, raised £3,700 for the Mayor's Charities. The concerts featured diverse units of the Derby Central corps. Proceeds from the performances were spread among four organizations: Association for the Blind, Nightingale Macmillan Unit, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and the Rotary Club (to help Derbyshire Housing Aid). Both performances were led by the former corps officers of Derby Central, Majors Gowler.

The Senior Band, under the direction of Alan Losh, contributed Joy to the World, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Sneewaltzer, Jingle Bells and Gaudete. They also provided accompaniment for the Timbrel Brigade, who performed drills to Three Kings Swing and Seasons Greetings.

Vocal music was also featured, with the Songsters (Songster Leader Ian Hammond) contributed with Let All the World in Every Corner Sing, The Holly and the Ivy, Angels We Have Heard on High, The Christmas Song and O Holy Night.

Woven between the concert items were the carols for all – favorites such as O Little Town of Bethlehem, While Shepherds Watched, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Ding Dong Merrily on High, Silent Night and O Come All Ye Faithful. The primary children presented the Nativity scene, and the Young People's Band played A Christmas Celebration. The Singing Company also participated, offering Unwrap the Meaning of Christmas, Gabriel's Message and Angels' Carol.