The inaugural Alumnae Carol Service took place on Tuesday 8th December in the awe-inspiring surroundings of St Giles's, Cripplegate, in the Barbican Centre, where the school was founded in 1711.

Traditional carols were combined with powerful and compelling performances from the Junior Choir and the Holles Singers to provide an uplifting and ebullient start to the Christmas season.

From the opening solo of This Is the Truth in the hushed church, the tone was set for a magical evening. Added to the traditional carols with soaring descants from the choir were several new carols. At Dead of Night by Brendan Ashe was a haunting and captivating setting of See Amid, whilst The Shepherds' Carol by Bernard Hughes was a luminous and mystical account of the shepherds' journey. The Junior Choir contributed two sparkling carols of its own, conducted by Anna Prowse.

Past pupils took part in the readings which included Christmas by John Betjeman, read by Miss Jane Welsh and The Oxen by Thomas Hardy, read by Miss Cassie Layton. After the service, the congregation caught up over mince pies and mulled wine. It was a fascinating glimpse into the dynamism, go-getting attitude and spirit of the LEH girl, with ages ranging from 8 to 80 in the congregation.

Miranda Ashe, Director of Music