Yarm community kicks off the festive season with spectacular Christmas celebrations

The festive spirit was alive and well as the Yarm community came together for an afternoon of Christmas celebrations. From singalongs and creative performances to seasonal activities for all ages, the day brought families, friends, and neighbours together to share in the magic of the holiday season.

The afternoon began with the Memento dementia-friendly singalong, hosted at Senior School. The event was the sixth led by our Music Partnerships Coordinator, Mike McGrother, and once again demonstrated the power of music to bring people together during the holiday season.

Attendees were treated to an afternoon of Christmas classics with everyone joining in the festive fun. They enjoyed an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere, with accessible facilities and plenty of mince pies and mulled wine. Audience members sang along to Christmas carols and holiday favourites, sparking special memories from years gone by.

The seasonal celebrations continued with the Christmas Lights Switch-On on Yarm High Street. Organised by Yarm Town Council working with Yarm School, and in partnership with Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, the event delighted attendees with food and drink, children’s activities, local performers, talented musicians, and the much-anticipated Singing Christmas Tree populated, this year, by Yarm pupils, staff, families, friends, and Infant Hercules Men’s Choir, alongside the Yarm community.

The Christmas tree-shaped choir, led once again by Mike, entertained the crowd with songs and carols. Musician Andrew Johnson, of The Southmartins, was in position at the top of the tree, leading the vocals for a beautiful rendition of Caravan of Love. After the excitement of the big switch-on, the crowd joined in for an enthusiastic singalong, kicking off the festive season with a palpable sense of community spirit.

Mike McGrother, Music Partnerships Coordinator at Yarm School, reflected on the success of the afternoon: “It’s a privilege to host this event and see the joy it brings to so many. Music has a unique way of connecting us, and for those living with dementia, it can unlock memories and create special moments of connection with loved ones. We’re so grateful to everyone who joined us and made the afternoon truly unforgettable, and we were delighted to be part of the town’s wonderful festive celebrations.”

Steve Atkinson, Vice Chair, represented Yarm Town Council at the Christmas Light Switch-On event. Steve said “What an absolute delight to share the countdown podium with two-year-old Louis and his mum & dad Leanne & Ryan. Louis’ charity, DEBRA, is YTC’s adopted Charity of the Year, the little fella is a beacon of light himself so it’s fitting that he should be central to our big switch-on, he put a smile on every face. Everyone associated with the event pulled out all of the stops to deliver an incredibly enjoyable day. We do owe a huge debt of thanks to our Town Clerk, Juliet Johnson, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, pulling all of this together from start to finish. Feedback from the crowd, and from positive social media comments and shared images of a huge crowd having a great time, can only make us proud, and humble. What a great start to the Christmas festivities!”