Hundreds of children sang their hearts out in a celebration of the things that make Christmas special.

More than 300 kids from the island’s junior schools formed together to form a mass choir, under the guidance of music teacher Katie Lawrence to sing for the ’Sound of Christmas’ concert, at the Villa Marina on Monday evening.

Katie and fellow music teachers Nola Fairbairn and Lisa Dixon guided the choir through some classic and well-loved Christmas songs, along with stories told by some of the children, backed by a band that featured drummer Steve Leach, pianist Graham Kirkland, Peter Dixon on bass and saxophonist Chris Sullivan.

The Cashtal brass Quintet also accompanied the choir for a selection of carols.

’The children made an absolutely fantastic sound in the Villa Marina on Monday night,’ said Katie.

’They poured their hearts into singing and it was a really wonderful sight to see them all so happy, after everything that they have been through.

I am so glad that both the Youth Orchestra concert and the primary schools concert were able to go ahead in the end, in the midst of all the uncertainty surrounding current events.

’The positive mental health effects that music and performing has on these young performers cannot be underestimated.

’To see the enjoyment and happiness in their faces on Monday night, given the times we are all in, was the icing on the cake for us as teachers. I don’t think some schools stopped dancing the whole way through!

’My thanks go to the children and all of the hard working teachers for having faith in the project, especially at such a busy time of year with their own school Christmas concerts.

The concert was supported by the Isle of Man Arts Council.