A Barnsley Carol Reunited 

Barnsley’s very own Christmas carol has returned once again – and this year it’s bigger than ever. 

Barnsley Museums have just released a brand-new 2025 medley of Christmas Eve (The Barnsley Carol) on YouTube, bringing together an extraordinary line-up of choirs from Barnsley and across the UK. What began as a forgotten piece of local history has grown into a true community celebration of music, heritage and togetherness. 

Written in 1933 by Barnsley bottle maker Arthur Godfrey, The Barnsley Carol was lost in archives for more than 90 years before being rediscovered in 2023. Since then, choirs near and far have embraced the song, breathing new life into a carol that had been silent for generations. 

The new 2025 medley features performances from: 

Tegwen Roberts, Warble Singers, Out Aloud – Sheffield LGBT+ Choir, Rickmansworth Players, Waldershelf Singers – Community Choir Stocksbridge, Octogenesis, Barnsley Youth Choir, SongWave Choir, Ralph Shaw, Millhouse Green Male Voice Choir, and Trinity Academy St Edward’s Choir. 

It’s a moving blend of voices, styles and generations – all united by a song born right here in Barnsley. 

Watch the full medley now: (516) Christmas Eve (The Barnsley Carol) by Arthur Godfrey – 2025 Medley – YouTube 

Are you singing The Barnsley Carol this Christmas? Barnsley Museums would love to hear from you. Lyrics and more background information are available on their website, and choirs are encouraged to get in touch. 

Email: experiencebarnsley@barnsley.gov.uk 

From a forgotten manuscript to a nationwide choral tradition, The Barnsley Carol is once again bringing people together – just in time for Christmas.