Concert a sell-out despite '˜Nightmare before Christmas'

The last-minute problem threatened to disappoint no less than 250 singers and 90 musicians from primary and secondary schools across the area, not to mention hundreds of mums, dads, relatives and friends.

But thanks to a lot of hard work the hugely-popular annual East Dunbartonshire schools’ Christmas Gala Concert went ahead just three days late – and was reckoned a triumph.

Education convener Councillor Maureen Henry said: “It was such a disappointment for the young people to have to delay their performance but they were wonderful and it was truly a night to remember.

“They all worked so hard and it certainly paid off. Well done to everyone involved in putting on this spectacular show with the added challenges they faced this year. Everyone in the hall agreed that it was an absolute triumph!”

The audience was treated to a programme of popular orchestral music and festive favourites by the East Dunbartonshire (ED) Secondary Schools Orchestra and the ED Primary Schools Choir with contributions from pupils of the ED Children’s Chorus and Youth Choir, and pupils from Merkland School.

Sadly the Gaelic Unit of Meadowburn Primary School was unable to take part due to the date change – but at least they’ve already had one high profile outing this winter (pictured), with a star performance at the recent switching-on ceremony for Bishopbriggs’ Christmas lights.

For the first time ever, the concert included piping pupils playing with the Secondary Schools Orchestra in a special arrangement which, we’re told, “went down a storm”.