AFTER last year’s forced hiatus, the Deadwater Valley Trust’s popular Carols At The King Oak returned this year under the boughs of the oldest tree in the Hogmoor Inclosure.
More than 100 people followed lanterns to locate the Rune Table area, gently lit with fairy lights and the welcoming glow of a fire and the aroma of warming mulled wine.
Once assembled they were greeted by the Deadwater Valley Trust team before moving over to the King Oak for carolling.
The carols were kicked off with the traditional solo performance of the first verse of Once In Royal David’s City, which this year was performed by Deadwater Valley Trust junior ranger Evie Hunter, after which the group lent their voices to the occasion.
Christmas songs old and new were given a special Deadwater Valley Trust twist during the evening which included a round robin of Christmas Pudding and an “extremely entertaining” version of Deck The Halls.
Once the singing had been concluded, mince pies and mulled wine were the reward for the exertions of the group and for the first time Bluebird Storyteller was in attendance with a storytelling fire of her own at the Oak Throne as she told tales of winter to young and old.
Deadwater Valley Trust community ranger Julie Reid said: “It was wonderful to be able to bring back my favourite event this year and even more wonderful to see so many local people in attendance.
“Everyone starts the evening worried about singing in front of a group but very quickly get into the spirit and start having some fun with our dafter ways of performing.”
Local resident Doreen added: “Having attended these events in previous years I, together with several friends, went expecting a good show but it far surpassed the last ones.
“It was good to see so many people there who were newcomers to the town. However, it was a shame not to see any members of the local councils in attendance. Roll on the next DVT event!”