St Bartholomew’s Church at Porthleven hosted this year’s Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols with more than 300 lit candles. 

Under the direction of Andrew Woods, who was accompanied by Ann Bradbury, An Lysardh Christmas Choir performed.

The choir is comprised of singers from the Lizard, Helston, and Porthleven areas.

It comes together each year to sing a variety of carols and Christmas music for the Nine Lessons and Carols service which originated at Truro Cathedral in 1880 and has since been made famous worldwide by the choir of King’s College Chapel, Cambridge. 

Falmouth Packet: St Bartholomew’s Church at Porthleven St Bartholomew’s Church at Porthleven (Image: Vicky Woods)
An Lysardh made their first appearance at Christmas 2015 singing in the chapel at Trelowarren, and in subsequent years at Gunwalloe, Mawgan, Landewednack, and St Keverne parish churches.

 The pandemic prevented any carol services in 2020, and last year with some restrictions still in place, reduced numbers of the choir took part in St Martin in Meneage's carol service.

 Therefore, it was said to be a joyous event for An Lysardh to reassemble in total this year and welcome new members.

 As well as congregational carols, the choir sang a range of music from plainsong and medieval, to 20th-century composers William Walton and Karl Jenkins.

Soloist Beatrix Swanson sang the first verse of ‘Once in Royal David’s City’ and part of ‘Gaudete’ with the other soloists in this being John Barraclough, Mike Slater, and Jeni Whittaker. 

At the conclusion of the service mulled wine and mince pies were served, and a collection of £370 was taken for church funds and Cornwall Air Ambulance. 

An Lysardh Christmas Choir hopes to reunite next Christmas and is already said to be 'eager' to know at which church the 2023 service will be held.