Barnsley Christmas Carol Given A New Lease Of Life
9th January 2024
You may remember from a previous newsletter that Barnsley Museums uncovered a hidden gem in the form of a traditional Christmas Carol, written back in 1933 when researching the anniversary of the iconic Town Hall. Found in the Archives, it was written by local musician Arthur Godfrey and published the same month the Town Hall was opened.
The carol was recorded by Tegwen Roberts from the museum service, using the original words and music and it was released on Thursday, 14 December, to coincide with the 90th anniversary of Barnsley Town Hall.
The response to the carol so far has been incredible with coverage nationally and internationally. It has had over 15k views and been featured on
BBC Look North – www.youtube.com/watch?v=859dTpx1-FY
BBC News (Christmas Eve) – www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzFs4k2ZZiY
BBC News America (Christmas Day) – www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPwb2wVIIS8&feature=youtu.be.
The carol was later performed live by the Barnsley Youth Choir for a live performance on Radio 4
BBC Radio 4 – www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m001tq07?partner=uk.co.bbc&origin=share-mobile
Further coverage included Who Do You Think You Are – www.whodoyouthinkyouaremagazine.com/news/christmas-carol-barnsley-museums
We have also been contacted by several local choirs who are interested in rehearsing the carol in preparation for Carol concerts later in 2024.
It’s been wonderful to hear this long-forgotten piece of music brought back to life!
