The festive season in Romford will be filled with music and community spirit as the YMCA Orchestra prepares for its annual Christmas Charity Concert. This beloved event promises an afternoon of joyful entertainment for a vital cause.
A Festive Programme for a Worthy Cause
The concert will take place on Sunday, December 7 at 4.30pm at Romford United Reformed Church on Western Road (RM1 3LP). Audiences can expect a delightful programme blending seasonal favourites with timeless classics.
The orchestra will perform an exciting selection including Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, A Christmas Festival, The Snowman, and Parade of the Tin Soldiers. The programme also features the Colonel Bogey March, Blue Danube Waltz, and Thunder and Lightning Polka, alongside modern arrangements from High School Musical and an ABBA medley.
During the interval, guests can enjoy tea and cakes included in the ticket price, along with a festive raffle offering seasonal prizes. The entire event supports the YMCA Cancer Rehabilitation Programme, which provides specialist fitness and wellbeing services for people recovering from cancer.
A Rich Community History
The YMCA Orchestra boasts a proud history within the Havering community. Originally founded after World War II by Vic Dearman, conductor of the Romford Red Triangle Operatic Society, it began as the Romford Red Triangle Orchestra.
The ensemble rehearsed at Lambourne Hall, which served as the YMCA's headquarters at the time. From these modest beginnings, the orchestra grew rapidly, providing music for operatic productions and regular concerts.
Today, it stands as the only YMCA Orchestra in existence, continuing its mission to bring people together through music. Run in partnership with the YMCA Thames Gateway Group and Havering Music School, the orchestra maintains a welcoming, inclusive environment for musicians of all ages and abilities.
Join the Musical Community
The orchestra currently comprises around 30 members aged from 16 to 90, combining amateur and professional players united by their love of music and community spirit.
Since January 2014, the ensemble has been led by Karen Tweddle, who expressed her enthusiasm: "I love running this group, and I am delighted to be able to give my time back to the community and support such a brilliant cause."
She added an invitation to local musicians: "If you play an orchestral instrument, we'd love to hear from you - new members are always welcome!"
Tickets are priced at just £8 for adults and £4 for children (cash only) and are available in advance by calling Alexandra on 07941 008278, or purchased on the door on the day of the concert.
For a festive afternoon of live music, community spirit, and good cheer, the YMCA Orchestra Christmas Charity Concert promises to be an unmissable Romford event that supports an invaluable local cause while celebrating the joy of Christmas through music.
