Carols at Warwick Castle

Spirits could not be dampened by the rain this festive season, as the charitable Carols at Warwick Castle event returned for its annual festivities on Saturday 22nd December. The sell-out event, which is organised annually by Warwick Lions Club, The Rotary Club of Warwick and the Friends of St Mary’s choir raises thousands for local charities and good causes.

The evening was enjoyed by over 2,500 people and included carol singing from the outstanding Choirs of St Mary’s Church accompanied by the Royal Spa Brass Band.

Alan Bailey of the organising Committee, said: 'The event was another great success, which was clearly enjoyed by all who attended! The committee would like to extend its gratitude to all of the volunteers for their help and to Warwick Castle and the other sponsors for their considerable support. The evening raised funds that will go to worthy local charities and good causes.'

The annual Jet Factor competition, which is organised by St Mary’s Choir and sponsored by Phillips66 Limited, also succeeded in finding the region’s next singing sensation. The winner Maisie White aged 10 of Stockton Primary School, won the unique opportunity of performing a carol at the event.

St Mary’s Choirs Musical Director and senior judge of the competition Thomas Corns commented: “The atmosphere was incredible on the evening with everyone joining in and getting into the Christmas spirit. The Choir thoroughly enjoyed the evening and Maisie’s performance was exceptional.”

Jet Factor winner 2012

This year’s, Maisie White, aged 10, a pupil of Stockton Primary School was declared the winner of the Jet Factor, in what was a very close competition, competing against five exceptional finalists. Maisie received a prize courtesy of Warwick Castle and Jet Factor sponsor Phillips66 Limited; a digital radio, an annual family pass to Warwick Castle and a family day pass to a merlin attraction of choice, as well as the amazing opportunity to sing at the Carols at Warwick Castle event in front of a crowd of over 2,500 people.

Joseph Hudson, aged 7 was declared a very worthy runner up and won a family day out, courtesy of Warwick Castle.

Director of Music Thomas Corns said: “The standard of the Jet Factor competition was the highest we have seen since the competition began. The talent in Warwickshire is outstanding!”

Winner Maisie White said: "I was surprised but thrilled to win the competition and am so excited about the event. I’m a little nervous about singing in front of lots of people but it will be a great experience."

Anne Day, of Phillips66 Limited said: “As a business that very much operates at the heart of the community, we are delighted to be in a position to support the Carols at Warwick Castle event and the Jet Factor Competition. It was fantastic to see the great talent we have in Warwickshire and wish Maisie the best of luck for the event on the 22nd December. What a great way to get into the Christmas spirit!”

Jet Factor Singing Competition returns for 2012!

The Jet Factor is back for another year of talent searching! This year, the entry requirements have altered slightly and we are looking for solos, duos or trios to enter the competition. In addition, the age range has extended and we are now looking for singers aged 7-14 years.

If you love to sing, we have the chance of a lifetime for you! The winner(s) will have the unique opportunity of performing at the carols event, in front of more than 2,000 people.

The Christmas spirit was alive in Warwickshire at the weekend with the wonderful Carols at Warwick Castle event. This year’s 40th anniversary event was another sell-out success and money was raised for important local charities and good causes.

The spectacular annual event held every December in the dramatic surroundings of Warwick Castle is now a highlight of the festive calendar. The evening was enjoyed by 2,500 people and included carol singing from the outstanding Choirs of St Mary’s Church accompanied by the Royal Spa Brass Band. The event was compered by BBC Coventry and Warwickshire’s radio presenter Annie Othen and there was a range of hot food, mulled wine and mince pies on sale.

As a special feature of the 40th Anniversary, Westgate Primary School and Coten End Primary School encouraged the crowd to get into the festive spirit with two exceptional nativity performances.

The annual Jet Factor competition, which is run by St Mary’s Choirs and sponsored by ConocoPhillips, also succeeded in finding the region’s next singing sensation. Over 60 local schools and numerous music groups were involved in the ‘Jet Factor’ competition and final auditions were held at Warwick Castle on Saturday 26th November. The winner Phoebe Stewart, age 12 from Birdingbury Warwickshire, had the unique opportunity of performing at the event as well as winning an iPod Nano and a family annual pass to Warwick Castle.

The winner of the Jet Factor competition emerged from second auditions at Warwick Castle at the weekend and will go on to star in this year’s popular Carols at the Castle event on the 17th of December.

Phoebe Stewart, aged 12 from Birdingbury, Warwickshire was the outright winner and receives the prize of an iPod Nano, an annual family pass to Warwick Castle and the opportunity to sing at the Carols at Warwick Castle event in front of a crowd of over 2,500 people.

The joint runners up were Tristan Barford, Aged 9 from Warwick and Hal Hewetson aged 10 also from Warwick; both won iPod shuffles, courtesy of ConocoPhillips.

The standard of the competition was extremely high and we thank all that took part.

The Royal Spa Brass, a community music organisation based in Leamington Spa will also be performing at the event alongside St Mary's Choir, for more information about The Royal Spa Brass please follow this LINK

Carols at the Castle is organised by a Committee representing 3 charitable organisations – The Warwick Lions, The Rotary Club of Warwick & The Friends of St Marys Choirs. All proceeds go to local charities & good causes. We hope that you enjoy this year’s event and should you wish to contact the organisers please email carolsatwarwickcastle@lmmc.co.uk