40th Anniversary a sell-out success!

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.

Photos courtesy of Ed Phillips Photography

 2011 Jet Factor winner announced!

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.

Image Above Left: Winner Phoebe with Judy Green (ConocoPhillips)

Image Above Right: Judy Green (ConocoPhillips) with two runner-ups, Tristan Barford, aged 9 from Warwick and Hal Hewetson aged 10 also from Warwick.

Carols at Warwick Castle 40th Anniversary – Saturday 17th December 2011 (7.30pm start, gates open at 6.45pm)

Come and join in with the carols at the castle 40th anniversary event on Saturday 17th December 2011!

To celebrate this important milestone, we are putting on a show to remember featuring familiar elements with exciting new additions!

This year we are delighted to announce that the event will include;

In appreciation of the understanding we received last year, advance ticket prices have been significantly reduced to benefit our regular visitors. We predict another sell-out year, so be sure to get your tickets early to avoid disappointment.

Ticket pricing:

 BUY TICKETS

Please note: tickets are non-refundable. This is a charity event organised by the Warwick Lions Club, Rotary Club of Warwick and Friends of St Mary’s Choir where all proceeds go to charity.

The event is sponsored by ConocoPhillips, National Grid, LMMC Ltd, and BBC Coventry & Warwickshire and hosted at Warwick Castle. All sponsors are thanked for producing another year of joyful festive celebrations.

Jet Factor 2011

For more information and to apply, download the application form below and return it to us by Monday 31st October.

Application Form Part 1

Application Form Part 2

Jet Factor winner 2010

Joseph Villiers-Dunn, the Jet Factor winner of 2010, did not get the opportunity to perform at the carols at the castle event last December, due to unforeseen weather problems cancelling the event.

However, the carols committee couldn’t let Joseph’s win go unrecognised and therefore the board decided to present his prize at the Warwick Rotary summer concert. The event, which was observed by over 500 parents and school children, took place last Thursday (16.06.2011) at St Mary’s Church.

Joseph was accredited by John Fletcher, President of the Rotary for his achievement in winning the competition. The mayor of Warwick, Trudy Offer, also presented Joseph with his prize (an iPod Nano), which was courtesy of Jet Factor sponsor ConocoPhillips.

Above: John Fletcher, President of the Rotary, Winner Joseph Villiers-Dunn & mayor of Warwick, Trudy Offer.

Warwick Castle Event Pictures:

Photography by Mark Flowers www.markflowersphotography.com       

To view a video of the last Carols event, please follow these links -

Carols at Warwick Castle 2009 Part 1

Carols at Warwick Castle 2009 Part 2

Royal Spa Brass

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

We will endeavour to reply to you promptly.