Carol singing events kick off this Sunday to mark the 25th anniversary of the Prince Albert Carol Consort, a growing community of singers who meet every December at the Prince Albert public house in Rodborough to sing a collection of unusual carols from around the country.
Alongside the communal singing, the Prince Albert Carol Consort’s 25th anniversary programme includes the publication of a booklet detailing the history of the events, an exhibition in the community display case at the Museum in the Park, and specially commissioned t-shirts.
The group’s Sunday sings take place every Sunday in December at the following times:
- Sun 7 Dec – 12:00 noon – 2.30pm (break every 25 mins-ish)
- Sun 14 Dec – 12:00 noon – 2.30pm (break every 25 mins-ish)
- Sun 21 Dec – 12:00 noon – 2.30pm (break every 25 mins-ish)
- Sun 28 Dec – 5.30pm – 9pm - Post-Christmas sing-through of all the carols, and 25th anniversary party with pizza and cake
The special exhibition at the Museum in the Park runs from Tue 18 Nov – Sun 21 Dec, in the community display case on the first floor. Entry is free to this small retrospective exhibition exploring the history of the PACC, what makes our events special and why our seasonal sessions have endured.
The limited edition, 25th anniversary commemorative booklet will be available for purchase at the 2025 events, and t-shirts designed by celebrated Rodborough illustrator and folk artist Alex Merry will also be available to purchase online, along with a new print inspired by the events, also by Alex Merry. The celebrations have been supported by a grant from Rodborough Parish Council.
Prince Albert Carol Consort organiser Fran Wade said:
“We are delighted to have such a full programme to celebrate 25 years of the Prince Albert Carol Consort. The carols are not the usual ones sung at Christmas: they are part of a living folk tradition found in several corners of England.
“Our carols were sung during the 18th and 19th centuries, when village bands provided the music in the churches. As organs gradually replaced the musicians, the carols went with them and were sung instead in the streets, in village halls and in pubs. We do our best to keep them alive and they are sung with much enthusiasm.
“The sound of more than eighty amateur singers all joining in four-part harmony is so wonderful. It happens every year and all are welcome to sing or listen. We hope you will join us to celebrate this special anniversary.”
Prince Albert landlady Lotte Lyster Connolly said:
“We are delighted that carolling season is already upon us. It’s such a special time of the year at the pub, and this year is a special one. The 25th anniversary brings many happy memories. And some sad ones, too. We have lost many key characters: great singers and dear friends. There are always a few tears shed as favourite songs are sung.
“We aim to keep our new tradition alive for another twenty-five years, and are already thinking about 2050 when we will have the half-century celebrations. Thank you to all of our singers and Fran for the practices, the wonderful pianists we have had over the years, and Bob and others for the songs.”
The sings follow practices in November and a free celebratory concert by the Vital Spark West Gallery Quire on Sun 30 November.
Full details of the events, sheet music, recordings of the carols and more are available at: https://www.theprincealbertstroud.co.uk/prince-albert-carol-consort
