To round off 2025, just before the festive season commenced, Elmbridge Choir set off on their Yorkshire choir tour! Elmbridge Choir from Surrey are a vibrant mixed-voice choir under the musical direction of Hugh Beckwith, performing songs from every genre (including some festive classics!)
Elmbridge Choir started their Yorkshire weekend off in beautiful Harrogate, where they had some free time to explore this historic spa town once they had arrived, before preparing to head to their first concert of the tour. After some rehearsal and a buffet meal at the venue, it was time for their first performance to begin; a magical evening concert at St Wilfrid’s Church, joined by special guests The Stray Notes Choir! It was a wonderful performance of festive delight, and the perfect way to kick off their trip.
Day 2 was an early start as Elmbridge set off for the next stop on their Yorkshire tour; York! With a free morning, the group enjoyed the sites and history this great city has to offer, including their fantastic Christmas Market. With some exploring done, it was time to head to the next concert venue; St Helen’s Church Stonegate. This afternoon performance was festive and uplifting, and truly captivated the audience, who were absolutely fantastic as well. It was then time to head to The Plough Inn for a delicious evening meal, before saying goodbye to York as they returned to Harrogate for the night.
It was another early start on the Sunday morning, this time heading to Leeds for a visit to Harewood House, a truly stunning country house now an accredited museum full of unique history. After a great morning there, Elmbridge Choir departed for Fountains Abbey in Ripon, which would be the venue for their last concert of the tour. And what a special concert this was. Under the magnificent cellarium of the Abbey, lit with the colours of aurora borealis, Elmbridge gave a magical performance that will be a defining memory of the trip.
With spirits high after such a sparkling performance, it was time to return to the hotel for an evening of Christmas party fun! A three course meal, Christmas crackers, a disco and a weekend of fantastic memories; it really could not have ended on more of a high note!
On Monday, the group had the choice to spend some time at leisure in Harrogate, or visit RHS Garden Harlow Carr for their last morning in Yorkshire, though all too soon it was time to get back on the coach and head for home. A festive, magical weekend with a truly special choir, that will always be cherished.
