This year’s Friends of Winckley Square Christmas Concert is set to spread festive cheer virtually when it goes out on YouTube.

Since being established in 2016, the Friends of Winckley Square (FoWS) have offered a wide range of events throughout the year including guided walks, music, family fun days, and exhibitions.

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One of the highlights of the past few years has been the Christmas Concert in Winckley Square, which takes place on the first Sunday of each December.

Chair of the Friends of Winckley Square, Pat Harrison, said: “Normally Winckley Square is lit up for the festive period, with the Christmas tree taking centre stage.

“At our Christmas Concerts, Saint Stephen’s Choir begin proceedings with carols by the tree, before Kenny the Scots piper tempts shoppers from Fishergate to join in the fun. More live music is provided by local performers.

“There’s food – including Preston’s signature dish of parched peas – drink and, most importantly, there is good company with friends and strangers getting together in the heart of the city.”

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In 2019 the concert ended with a light and sound show, and each year the numbers attending have grown – but Covid-19 means the 2020 concert will look very different.

Pat said: “FoWS decided we couldn’t let Christmas come and go without offering something to those who support us every year – so this year we came up with the Alternative Christmas Concert on YouTube.

“Kenny is there and so are the carols, and Saraban offer vocals. Santa, as you have never seen him before, makes an appearance.

“There are also five Ghosts of Christmas Past. FoWS members play the parts of the ghosts, and each tells a personal story based on real life events.

“As part of our commitment to sustainability no false beards or moustaches were worn in the creation of the video – and that includes Santa!

“We want to welcome everyone to tune in on Sunday and come together virtually to celebrate Christmas with all of us.”

The Friends of Winckley Square Christmas Concert will be live on YouTube from 4pm on Sunday 6 December.

To watch, click the video below or visit the FoWS YouTube channel.

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Will you be watching the Christmas Concert? Let us know in the comments.