What a brilliant way to spend an afternoon! It’s your KTB blogging duo (Aeryn and Becky) here, with a behind-the-scenes report on our singalong performance at Longton’s Winter Wonderland. (B: We’re back!! Missed you Aeryn 😂.)
A: “If it’s outside as planned, wear warm jumpers and big coats. If it’s raining we might be inside, and then you’ll boil, so you’ll need something lighter. It might also be really dark, so work out between yourselves how you’re going to handle lighting the music so you can see it.” With that instructional treatise to the Great British Weather in mind, we layered up and crossed our fingers. This writer even bought a little clip-on book light. We were all Prepared, with a capital P. Show time.
We walked out to a massive crowd, which is probably something that always catches even the most seasoned performer right in the feels. The KTB Youth and local school pupils (led by Kate Males and her amazing facial expressions) had enough energy to power the lights themselves, if only we could find a way to harness it. They owned every bit of that stage.
I think it’s safe to say that “Frosty the Snowman” was a huge hit with the crowd – I think everyone I could see from my spot was singing along at the top of their lungs (you all sounded great)!
Singing as the sun set, with hundreds of people singing and dancing along with us, was such a fantastic way to say goodbye to November and welcome in the last month of 2025.
B: Perfectly said Aeryn, the day was mega! I don’t want to repeat the above, but I must echo the sentiments. The weather held, the crowd sang along and the children were joyous. I must now draw attention to our lovely Kate M. I had the privilege of attending the children’s rehearsal for Longton Winter Wonderland, and I can honestly say, not many could do what Kate managed. Bringing together multiple primary schools who’d never previously met and getting them to sing in time & with enthusiasm and gusto is no small feat. And then having that repeat itself for the actual event, seamlessly, was spectacular.
A: We were also honoured by a visit from Father Christmas himself, and the kids had a front-row view as the famous man in the red suit pressed the big red button to switch on the lights along with South Ribble Mayor Cllr Paul Wharton-Hardman.
(There was, I must confess, excited giddiness from many of the adults present, as well as the children. It’s not every day we get so close to an international celebrity, after all.)
A&B: A final note that we feel must not go unsaid: Katy was absolutely adamant at our all-in rehearsal that this gig was supposed to be fun for us, as well as for the audience. Everyone at KTB Music has been working so hard to make sure that everyone felt supported to take part, and they have all done so much to make this performance go as wonderfully as it did. And you’re not editing this bit out, or we will revolt. You deserve the recognition. It’s a huge element of what makes KTB Music such an amazing community to be a part of. Our thanks, and text-based applause, to you all.
Written by Becky Fowler and Aeryn Isherwood