The Barnsley Carol - Christmas Eve by Arthur Godfrey
Last year we re-discovered a Christmas carol that was first published in December 1933 in The Barnsley Chronicle, the same month Barnsley town hall opened. This research led to us finding a song wrtitten by Arthur Godfrey, a bottle maker from Barnsley.
We recorded a version of 'Christmas Eve' a song inspired by the Christmas bell chimes rung by some churches at midnight on 24 December. It wasn't long until this YouTube video went viral.
90 years after 'Christmas Eve' was written it recieved it's first radio airplay on BBC Radio 4's Broadcasting House on Christmas Eve 2023 by the wonderful Barnsley Youth Choir
Let us hear your versions of the song!
In 2024 we would love the song to become the most covered Christmas song of the year! If you are in a choir and are planning perform it please get in touch with us on email experiencebarnsley@barnsley.gov.uk or on the @BarnsleyMuseums socials.
If you're a singer or in a band we'd like to hear the Barnsley Carol in as many different genres and styles as possible. There's links to lyrics and other video's towards the end of this page.
Fusion's Festival of Joy 2024
As part of the festival The Barnsley Carol is getting its own music video and you can be part of it!
Studio Bokehgo is currently working with young people across the borough to tell the story of Arthur Godfrey's carol in a contemporary way. We want this short film to have a Barnsley community feel to it so we're asking you to send us your drawings, poems and memories of Christmasses past. What does the festive season and this time of year mean to you?
Send you photos, drawings and poetry to expriencebarnsley@barnsley.gov.uk or if its easier send us a message via the Barnsley Museums Facebook and Instagram pages.
You can also download a Snowglobe or bell to frame your designs. We can't wait to see what you create! Please submit your entries by 30 November.
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"We hope this carol will be sung and played through Barnsley and district this Christmastide, and that it will be appreciated that it is the work of a Barnsley composer"
There's a recap of the Arthur Godfrey story so far on our blog including a number of versions of the song from last year.
Lyric Video
The Barnsley Carol @ Barnsley Bright Nights, Friday 22 November 2024
Barnsley Bright Nights returns in 2024 to light up the darker evenings with free art installations and the annual Bright Nights Illuminated Parade through the town centre.
On Friday 22 November Bright Nights is launched in festive style, with The Barnsley Carol multimedia projection in The Glass Works Square featuring stunning visuals and live performances from Barnsley Singers. Then explore the town centre and discover interactive installations at Barnsley Civic, Barnsley College, Cooper Gallery, Library @ the Lightbox, Alhambra Shopping Centre and more.
On Saturday 23 November see the Illuminated Parade starring the amazing inflatable Strobilophones. The illuminated procession will feature colourful hand-crafted lanterns, music and community groups as they journey through the town centre. There's more information on the Visit Barnsley website