On Friday 16th December 2022, Flax Trust Arts was delighted to host its annual Christmas concert in Holy Cross Church, Belfast in aid of the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice.

Master of Ceremonies was James McGinn

The concert featured many of our festive favourites, with performances by the City of Belfast Youth Orchestra including
‘ O Come All Ye Faithful, Silent Night, The Bells of Christmas and The Christmas Song’, conducted by Paul McBride.

Bethany Simpson performed her rendition of ‘Holly Jolly’ and Cavallini’s ‘Adagio et Tarantella’

Other memorable performances came from the Flax Trust Arts Ensemble which included Nicole Finegan and Lauren Galway singing ‘In the Bleak Mid-Winter’ and Aodhan Halfpenny performing ‘The World’s Greatest Dad’ from Elf the Musical.

The entire Flax Trust Arts ensemble performed John Rutters ‘I Wish You Christmas’ conducted by Andrew Tubman followed by the Flax Trust Youth Ensemble which performed “Prince of Peace” conducted by Niall O’Flaherty.

Kevin McReynolds provided the audience with reflective spoken word and poetry reading Robert Hawkins’ ‘The Road to Bethlehem’.

To round off the evening, Megan Mooney, the City of Belfast Youth Orchestra and the Flax Trust Arts Ensemble performed ‘O Holy Night’ which received a wonderful standing ovation and roar of applause.

We are very grateful for all the generous donations from the audience to such an important charity – the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice.