Jersey's Les Amis choir 'sing in' the start of Christmas with a festive concert
Jersey's Les Amis choir marked the start of Christmas with a festive carol concert at Town Church in St Helier on Wednesday 11 December.
The choir was formed of service users from Les Amis, a charity that supports and empowers islanders with learning disabilities and associated conditions.
They provide residential, domiciliary, and respite care to around 100 people on the island.
Their annual concert brings some of their most musical service users together to celebrate how Christmas, friendship, and music can bring people together.
Leslie Norman, chairman of Les Amis, says he doesn't feel the festive season has begun until the event takes place.
He says: "The most important thing about today is the residents enjoying themselves and expressing what Christmas is all about.
"If you look at their smiling faces, the joy of their singing, and their jumping about - it's really the start of Christmas.
"The governor once said to me that 'until we have this concert, Christmas hasn't begun' - it's all just such fun."
Kate Foley, Les Amis' Registered Manager, adds it's a joy to watch service users find a connection with the music through their participation in the choir.
The group also allows friendships to flourish and teaches skills such as Makaton: a version of sign language.
She says: "We've been practising since September and it's paid off massively. The effort and time that all the guys have put into this has been amazing.
"It's just amazing to see them all come together, enjoy themselves, and have a big smile on their faces."
The group will be performing eight times in Jersey this holiday season.
Supporters can watch their joyful carolling outside Sports Direct during the final late-night shopping on Thursday 19 December.
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