Handbell ringers set to ring in festive season at annual concert in Dunblane

Handbell ringers from Dunblane are gearing up to spread festive cheer at their annual Christmas concert in Dunblane Cathedral. The event, titled Carols and Carillons, is set to take place on Sunday, December 8, with over 30 handbell musicians set to perform a variety of Christmas music starting from 7.30pm. The ensemble, spanning across different age groups, will showcase a wide range of songs from traditional carols to modern festive pieces.

The concert will feature a diverse selection of music, including performances by primary school-aged children playing hits like Josh Groban’s ‘Believe’ and ‘Once upon a December’ from the movie ‘Anastasia’. Solo acts and ensemble performances will include pieces such as ‘Il est né, le divin Enfant’, ‘Mary’s Boy Child’, ‘Calypso Carol’, ‘Carol of the Bells’, ‘Baloo Lammy’, ‘Go tell it on the mountain’, ‘Good King Wenceslas’, and ‘It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year’. Audience participation will also be part of the concert with a segment involving synchronised hand percussion in the song ‘Up on the housetop’. Traditional Christmas favourites like ‘O Christmas Tree’, ‘Gloucestershire Wassail’, ‘We wish you a merry Christmas’, ‘Pat-a-pan’, and ‘We three kings’ will also be featured.

The Dunblane Cathedral Handbell Ensembles have gained international recognition and have made several television appearances. Admission to the concert is £10 (concessions £8, children go free) and advance ticket purchase is recommended. Tickets can be bought from Meldrum’s Newsagents in Dunblane High Street or online at: https://tinyurl.com/CarolsCarillons2024. After the concert, attendees can enjoy warm Christmas mince pies and tea/coffee, adding to the festive spirit of the evening.

In conclusion, the annual Christmas concert by the Dunblane Cathedral Handbell Ensembles promises to be a delightful event filled with a mix of traditional and modern Christmas music performed by a talented group of handbell musicians. The concert provides an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the holiday season in a truly magical setting.