Our SIXTH glorious year! The singing was led by a multilingual team in five languages: English, Portuguese, French, German and Dutch. Something for everyone! Muticulturalism is the special trademark of this event. Some carols are sung with each verse in a different language.

Credits: Supplied Image;

“A chance to dust off my high-school German!”, I heard someone say.

And another regular attender said “We are third generation Dutch immigrants in Portugal, and nowhere can we share with our grandchildren the wonderful Christmas traditions of singing carols, except here! We would not miss being part of this for the World!”.

One unforgettable moment was watching the inimitable Tim Stevens lead the crowd in “The Twelve Days of Christmas”. Waves of hilarity washed over us all, as each group battled to outshine the others! Whoever thought they were the front runners, they were beaten soundly by the children at the centre, singing their part: “Five Golden Rings”.

Supporting us all was Anne Stevens on the keyboard, keeping us in tune and on track, pausing for the jokes and picking it up again seamlessly! We are very grateful for her generous contribution of talent and time!

The weather was kind and we had plenty of hot drinks and snacks at the ready. Mulled wine and mince pies were the favourite!

A huge vote of thanks to The Algarveans Theatre group - stewarding the event and manning the refreshments tent!

This is always a fund raiser for the Lagoa Caritas Food-bank and the Portimão girls’ home Casa de Nossa Senhora de Conceição (CNSC). This year we raised over €2,000 euros in an intense 90 minutes - partly through the Red Bucket Ladies and partly from the refreshments tent. All expenses were generously met by a donation from The Algarveans, so that all proceeds could be shared equally between the two charities.

The organisers express their particular appreciation for all of YOU who came, who sang, who laughed with such gusto! And you gave generously! Huge blessings to you in the New Year! And see you next year! The Thursday of the week before Christmas: Dec 17th. Remember to bring a cushion!