Winchester News Online
The Cathedral is welcoming a new dynamic
ITS TIME!!
The festive period is truly upon us.
The Cathedral is the home of Christmas in Winchester, and this year they are branching out their events.
They are no stranger to a Christmas concert, but this year they have arranged their first ever interactive concert.
A Christmas cracker concert – a celebration of music, traditional literature and community, personifying the meaning of Christmas.
Lay Clerk Simon Irwin worked with Reverend Canon Andrew Micklefield worked together to create a night of entertainment, they hosted the event as a duo, creating a new dynamic for the cathedral.
The Christmas Cracker Concert bought a new audience in, people of all ages and faiths, coming together in a moment of reflection in a different perspective to usual.
Many people see the cathedral as simply a home for those who follow the Christian faith, but the cathedral are wanting to welcome more people in to see the beauty within, the Christmas cracker concert steered away from the typical sermon.
With iconic Christmas songs, from Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want for Christmas is You’ to ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’ and a combined effort to fill the cathedral with a loud rendition of the 12 days of Christmas.
It wasn’t just Christmas songs being bought to life but a reading from Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’, the Lay Clerks bought to life the Christmas classic.
They were joined also by the Girl Choristers for some more traditional songs, the audience were wowed by the raw talent echoing through the navel of the cathedral.
The evening was a great success with both Simon and Andrew telling me they hoped to host more events like this in the future to welcome in more diverse audiences.

Winchester News Online
Police hunt man who threw chair and threatened shoppers
A man threw a chair and threatened bystanders in the centre of Gosport on Friday.
Police say the man, who was behaving aggressively, threw the chair on the ground and shouted threats at nearby shoppers before running away. No one was injured.
It happened just before noon, outside a Greggs Bakery on the High Street.
Hampshire Police say the man was white, bald and in his late 40s. He was wearing a baseball cap and a grey hoodie.
Officers are asking anyone who saw the incident to contact them.
Winchester News Online
Police officers injured during anti-migration rally
Twelve people were arrested after 350 anti-migrant protestors clashed with police overnight in Gosport following reports of a small boat landing in the area.
A small number of officers needed medical treatment following the protests near Walpole car park.
Assistant Chief Constable Simon Dodds said: “Violence and criminal damage have no part in peaceful protest, our position on this has been clear that we will investigate thoroughly and take robust action against anyone responsible.
“Our officers did not deserve to be assaulted as they worked incredibly diligently on Sunday to ensure the safety of everyone in the area.”
Police had banned face coverings and had issued a dispersal order ahead of the protests across Gosport.
Those arrested were held on suspicion of assaulting officers or being drunk and disorderly.
The protest marks an increase in tensions within the UK after protests at Portsmouth, Taunton, Basingstoke and Glasgow in recent months.
Gosport Reform UK councilor Paul Carter told GB News: “If you think about this last night, no one really knew what was happening… I think a lot of people are really worried.”
Winchester News Online
Residents warned over closure of recycling centre
People in Romsey are being warned that the town’s recycling centre will be closing for a month for repairs.
The closure of Casbrook recycling centre will take place from 12 October to 12 November.
The council says that repairs are essential to keep the site safe, after heavy vehicles damaged the tarmac beneath waste containers.
Councillor Kirsty North, Hampshire County Council’s deputy leader, said: “We are investing in essential improvements to preserve the surface of Casbrook HWRC (Bunny Lane) and ensure the facility continues to serve residents safely and effectively for many years to come.
“I thank residents for their patience during these works and confirm that capacity is available at nearby HWRCs to ensure residents that usually use Bunny Lane, can still dispose of their waste during this time.”
Locals have been advised to use alternative centres in Winchester and Eastleigh while the repairs take place.
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