The Bexley Music Primary Choir has had the experience of a lifetime, having been chosen to sing as part of the King’s Christmas Day message – which aired globally today (25 December) in its traditional 3pm slot.
The outstanding choir comprised thirty-five 6 –11-year-olds, from four schools across Bexley, together with a vocal soloist and two instrumentalists. Filming took place at Buckingham Palace, with the choir singing While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks as part of the televised ITN production.
15-year-old Binu Tennakoon performed the solo part, with instrumentalists Grace Xu (harp) and Sofia Gkatsou (Flute) providing an outstanding accompaniment.
Part of London South East Academies Trust, and the lead organisation for the Bexley Music Education Hub, funded by Arts Council England, Bexley Music provides a wide range of musical opportunities to people of all ages in the borough.
Head of Bexley Music, Julie Stanning, said:
“Performing at this prestigious event was the most incredible experience for our children and young people, and something they will never forget.
“We are absolutely honoured to have been invited to take part and so incredibly proud of our wonderful choir, our soloist and our instrumentalists.
“Our aim at Bexley Music is to ensure that music is inclusive and accessible for all. This is very much reflected by the diversity and talent of the amazing children who took part in this special recording and we are all extremely grateful for the opportunity.”
Taking part in the filming was an extremely exciting opportunity for the children involved. When asked ‘what was the best thing about the day?’, here were some of their responses!
"Being in such an amazing building and playing in front of professional cameras - it was really cool!"
"Stepping onto the red carpet....."
"The sense of being in a team....."
"The crew's professionalism."
"We knew all of the words, we could sing without even thinking and we were actually in Buckingham Palace which was really exciting!"
"I liked the fancy toilets."
"I liked performing and I liked when the cameras were on us, like we were filming a TV programme".
"I was in a place that I never thought I would visit in my life."
"To get the opportunity to see what it's like in Buckingham Palace and to see what it's like to be a pop star. If I'm a pop star in the future, I have good experience."
"I loved the view, the decor and the paintings."
"Getting the opportunity to be on camera."
"The opportunity to actually go and be in Buckingham Palace because that's a once in a lifetime opportunity and many other children have dreams about it."
"We got to go to Buckingham Palace - not many people get to go there."
"Normally when I come here, I'm just a tourist coming to see the outside, I've never been inside Buckingham Palace before."
"I liked the singing and the whole thing!"
The Royal Christmas message is broadcast in 50 Commonwealth countries, to over 20 million people. This year was the first to be given by King Charles, following his coronation in May 2023.
Click here to watch the broadcast
For more information about Bexley Music and the many musical opportunities it provides, visit: About us (bexley-music.co.uk)