Kenton Carols Returns Bigger Than Ever for a Festive Celebration of Song

The Kenton was filled with festive cheer this week as Kenton Carols returned for its third year, bigger and brighter than ever. Spanning two sold-out evenings, the event brought together 215 children from 11 local schools, creating an unforgettable celebration of Christmas through music.

Kindly sponsored by The Abbey School, the festivities began on Wednesday 10 December with a joyful Christmas medley from The Abbey’s Brass Ensemble. They were joined by Valley Road, Shiplake, Badgemore, Kidmore End, Sonning Common, and St Mary’s Primary Schools. On Thursday 11 December the show opened with Trinity School followed by Sacred Heart, Nettlebed Primary, and Rupert House. Both evenings ended on a high note as all participating children united on stage for Deck the Halls and Merry Christmas Everyone, delighting audiences with a playful flurry of snowballs thrown into the auditorium.

The Spirit of Christmas Award was presented each night. On the first night Henley Mayor, Councillor Tom Buckley selected Kidmore End Primary School for their joyful performance of Jingle Bells, Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, and ’Twas the Night Before Christmas. He said “Their performance was a combination of joy, fun and laughter, everything you need for Christmas.  It wasn’t just about how good they were, because all the schools were amazing, but Kidmore End just captured something different.”

On the second night Councillor Kellie Hinton awarded Sacred Heart Primary School, commending their lively set featuring Feliz Navidad and ukulele-accompanied carols Kellie said they “really invoked the spirit of Christmas and got the audience participating.”

Reflecting on the event, Kenton Theatre Manager Lottie Pheasant said: “We were absolutely delighted with this year’s Kenton Carols. Now in its third year, the event has grown so popular that we were thrilled to expand it across two evenings, welcoming an incredible 215 children from local schools to take part. For some of the children it was their very first time stepping onto a stage, which made the performances all the more special. The atmosphere across both nights was wonderfully festive and truly reflected the strength of our local community. Congratulations to Kidmore End Primary School and Sacred Heart Primary School for winning our Spirit of Christmas Award, and our heartfelt thanks go to our event sponsor, The Abbey School, Reading, for their generous support in helping us bring this joyful celebration to life once again.”

ENDS

For media enquiries, please contact: Kerry Hood – kerry.hood@kentonlivebk.wpenginepowered.com

Notes to editors

The Kenton is a vibrant and historic theatre that has been entertaining audiences in Henley-on-Thames since 1805. From toe-tapping music and gripping drama to comedy, dance and family-friendly shows, The Kenton offers something for everyone in its intimate 240-seat auditorium. This beloved venue is also a hub for local community groups and private events, bringing people together in celebration of the arts and playing a vital role in the cultural landscape of Henley-on-Thames and the surrounding area.