Families met Santa Claus and enjoyed festive favourites including Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, Jingle Bells and Silent Night during a night of celebration at The Treehouse.
The festive band practice session was organised by East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) for families being supported at the charity’s Ipswich base.
It began in style with a stirring rendition of Once in Royal David’s City, which included a solo performance by 13-year-old Ruby Streatfield. Sister Ava has Cerebral Palsy and receives care at The Treehouse.
Later in the evening there was a touching performance by Ann-Louise Owens, who has Chromosome 22 Duplication. The 15-year-old, who enjoys music therapy at the hospice, took centre stage while singing When Christmas Comes to Town.
“It was a truly fantastic evening for our Treehouse community,” said EACH Music Therapist Ray Travasso, who organised the session with Groups and Events Co-ordinator Kelly Evans and Play Specialist Hailey Allen.
“There were lots of special experiences and memories made.
“Christmas is all about bringing loved ones together, and so many people from across the community, including our brilliant team of staff and volunteers, came together to support the families.
“Huge thanks must also go to the amazing musicians that joined us on the night.
“It was magical and a true example of teamwork. My thanks go to everyone who came along or went out of their way to make it possible.”
Another musical highlight was a rendition of the Ed Sheeran and Elton John favourite Merry Christmas Everyone, performed by staff and two of the families that took to the stage during Griff Rhys Jones’ Happy Christmas Ipswich spectacular at the Regent Theatre on 4th December.
The evening was interspersed with poems and readings of quotes from classic films including Elf, Home Alone, The Polar Express and Love Actually, while other songs on the playlist were Last Christmas, Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town and Feliz Navidad.
Families were also able to enjoy a mouthwatering spread of festive food, which included a showstopping tree-shaped cake.
EACH hosts monthly band practice evenings, and each session revolves around a unique theme, carefully tailored to cater to the needs of children and young people. The inclusive nature of the event ensures all service users, siblings and their families can enjoy the fun together.
The next one is on 29th January and will be themed around The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse. The book celebrates the themes of kindness, friendship, hope and love through the conversations of four unlikely animal friends.
