‘Waterside Together’ celebrates Christmas Carol Service

PICTURED ABOVE: From left, Ald. Niree McMorris, Pastror Phelim Doherty, Fr. Michael Canny, Ruairi McHugh, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane, Rev. Paul Linkens and Tansy McLaughlin, event co-ordinator, Waterside Shared Partnership. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography)

Schools, families, community and church leaders flocked to the Waterside Shared Village on Wednesday evening for the popular 'Waterside Together' Christmas Carol Service, an interdenominational event featuring performances by Sacred Heart and Ebrington Primary Schools in a feast of ‘Celebrating Christmas’.

IN PICTURES: Cross-community spirit shines bright at 'Waterside Together' event

The festively adorned Waterside Shared Village welcomed local schools, families, community and church leaders

The annual interdenominational cross-community service organised by Waterside Together in partnership with Hillcrest Trust and Irish Street Community Centre also saw the city and district’s Mayor, Ruairí McHugh in attendance.

He congratulated the organisers for a wonderful event and praised the two school choirs who took part for their high standard of performance.

As well as the local schools, renowned flautist Janice Channing performed solo and the Bready Ulster Scots Pipe Band got a rousing reception when the doors opened and they marched in.

Those addressing the attendance included the Mayor, Pastor Phelim Doherty, Rev. Paul Linkens and Fr. Michael Canny.

Event organiser, Tansy Cowley, said she was delighted with the success of the carol service and praised the high standards of singing from the school choirs involved.

‘It was a memorable night with a superb turnout to witness some beautiful carol singing. As well as the superb school choirs, the versatile sounds of flautist Janice Channing and the vibrant and lively music from the Bready Ulster Scots Pipe Band, added to the seasonal flavours of the night’s entertainment.’ 

Proceedings were brought to a close with the beloved Christmas carol ‘Silent Night’ when everyone joined in as the lights dimmed and the comforting melody and universal message of peace spread throughout the hall.