Bath Abbey Girls Choir

Do You Hear What I Hear? Carriages of carol singers treat train travellers on their path to Paddington

Great Western Railway (GWR) welcomed Bath Abbey Girls’ Choir aboard one of its services on Monday to bring some festive cheer to customers.

Travellers on board the 1413 service from Bath Spa to London Paddington enjoyed a unique yuletide journey as the choir of 23 girls, aged 12 to 18 years old, carolled their way through the carriages with some traditional Christmas songs.

A cappella renditions of classic carols such as Ding Dong Merrily on High, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing and Away in a Manger were performed on board the Intercity Express Train, with customers in every carriage showing their appreciation with a hearty round of applause.

GWR hosted the choir’s trip to London ahead of a concert at Cordwainers Livery Company in the City.

GWR’s Head of On Board Train Service, David Crome, said:

“It’s not every day we have a full choir performing on board our trains, and Bath Abbey Girls’ Choir has made this a very memorable Monday with their beautiful singing.

“Working closely with the communities we serve is at the heart of what we do, and we would like to thank the choirs for providing such wonderful festive entertainment for our customers and colleagues throughout December.”

Bath Abbey’s Director of Music, Huw Williams, said:

“We are very proud to partner with GWR this December to help bring some Christmas cheer for its customers. The children have had so much fun performing on board its trains and at its stations this month, which has helped to raise funds for the choir. We are very grateful for GWR’s continued support in bringing visitors to Bath and to our events at the Abbey.”

Contact Information

Catherine Hyde

catherine.hyde@GWR.com

Notes to editors

https://www.bathabbey.org/worship-and-music/our-choirs/

First Greater Western Limited, trading as “Great Western Railway” (GWR), operates trains across the Great Western franchise area, which includes South Wales, the West Country, the Cotswolds, across southern England and into London. GWR provides high speed, commuter, regional and branch line train services, and before the covid-19 pandemic helped over 100 million passengers reach their destinations every year. GWR has been awarded a National Rail Contract to continue operating the Great Western network, which shall run up to 21 June 2025, with the potential for a further three years at the Secretary of State’s discretion. Find out more here: https://www.gwr.com/about-us.