PERFORMING arts students at Commonweal school are tuning up for a series of Christmas concerts to get the community into the Christmas spirit.

Vocal groups and selection of talented soloists will be taking part in the concerts, the first of which is the Christ Church service at 10am on Sunday

This will be followed by the churches 30th anniversary concert in aid of Child Line on Wednesday, December 7, starting at 7pm.

The students will perform their Christmas concert at the church at 7pm on Monday, December 12.

“Over 130 students are now gearing up to spread the Christmas message to family, friends and the community through our many Christmas concerts and events said Ali Sutcliffe, head of performing arts.

"Our Performing Arts faculty prides itself on reaching out to all of Swindon with its talented students and staff. Come and join us,”

One of the favourite events of both students and staff is the annual carol singing tour where two groups of songbirds go on tour of a total of six Old Town based care homes for the elderly.

“We used to perform at three homes, but we had such demand that we had to form two groups and visit another three,” said Ali.

Josie Williams, Community Arts Development Officer at Commonweal added: “It’s a real special time of the year and the children love it.

"At lunchtime we all go to Connies Chinese restaurant in Devizes Road where Connie very kindly does a lunch for us.

"Then it’s off to another care home and then one group sings at Tesco, Ocotal Way from 2.30 – 4.30pm whilst the other group performs at Sainsburys, Bridgemead.

"So please if you see us pop a coin or two into the box to help support the music department – funds are short, but staff and the children go the extra mile to ensure that we can continue all the wonderful things we do in our department.”

On the penultimate day of school, students and staff pull out the stops for the very popular Carols in the Gym, on Thursday, December, 15 at 7pm.

"This is headteacher Keith Defter’s favourite event and he MCs," says Josie.

"It's never long before he has the audience in stitches with his version of the 12 Days of Christmas where everyone participates." Tickets for this event are £5 and £3 (conc) and are available from the school’s finance office during school hours.