Winterfest celebrates power of music in Berwick

Berwick Community Winterfest celebrates the generational power of music at Tweedmouth Parish Church, Church Road, Berwick-upon-Tweed TD15 2AJ, at 7pm on Wednesday 26th November 2025.

The free music event features schoolchildren from Prior Park Primary School, Tweedmouth West Primary School and Berwick Schools Concert Band alongside performances by the Berwick Baroque Players, Berwick Brass and Berwick Ukulele Jam.

‘Playing music definitely sparks a child’s imagination and ignites a lifetime passion for making music. Winterfest showcases young musicians starting out on their musical journeys. Most of the adults started playing as schoolchildren and have benefited enormously from the numerous opportunities music has given them,’ said music teacher, trumpet player and event co-organiser, May Thompson.

‘My career in music started in Hull aged five, playing the recorder. Since then, I’ve taught, performed and studied music. I still get as much pleasure now as I did in reception class all those years ago and it is a privilege to pass the baton on to the newest generation of young musicians,’ said flautist Dr. Catherine Preston, chair of the Berwick Music Society and founder of the Berwick Baroque Players.

The concert showcases instruments ranging from flutes and bassoons to trumpets and French horns to violins and ukuleles. The audience can join in too with a singalong grand finale of Away in a Manger, Good King Wenceslas and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.