IT’S Christmas Day 1914 and World War 1 is well underway. Trench warfare is impacting upon the young people of Europe and the Western Front is very active.
Suddenly, the guns fall silent and a sound is heard: the German troops begin to sing “Stille Nacht”. English troops recognise the song as “Silent Night” and begin to join in.
One by one, the troops begin to leave the trenches and meet in no-man’s land. They exchange handshakes and Christmas cards. A game of football is played and peace is upheld in the middle of a battlefield. This incredible event was replicated across the battlefields of Europe in an event that has since been referred to as ‘The Christmas Day Truce’.
One hundred years on and that great event will be commemorated in stadia across the nation.
Here, in St Helens, we have partnered with ‘Heart of Glass’, St Helens Music Service and St.Helens R.F.C. to create an event that will be outstanding. It all begins at 6.30pm on December 10.
We already have a massed choir of more than 500 school children and community choir members. Visual Artist, Rhona Byrne, has created a spectacular piece of work that will take the breath away. St Helens Youth Band will provide the music for the Carols and The Christmas Story will be retold in many different ways as the good news of Jesus’ birth is celebrated.
Saints players will be present and Saints chaplain, Paul Johnson, will deliver a short Christmas message.
Tickets are £3 each, with a family ticket of £8 (2 adults and 2 children) also being available. Kiosks will be open in the stands, with Christmas fare and hot drinks being available to purchase.
Saints’ Chaplain, Paul Johnson, said: “This event will be a great way to get into the Christmas Spirit, to remember the incredible events of 1914 and to come together, as the community of St Helens, to enjoy an evening of outstanding entertainment with a poignant message.
“I encourage as many people as possible to come along and be part of this special evening.”
Tickets are available via www.saintssuperstore.com or at the ticket office at Langtree Park.
