Tis the season to be jolly
And what a jolly Christmas season we had. We were very busy bees over the festive season so have decided to blog all our events together. Our gorgeous red coats and fur hats got their first wearing on 20th November when we returned to the stunning Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire. We were delighted to be asked back by Living Crafts for their amazing 3 day fair of Christmas crafts and gifts. We entertained the visitors throughout the day with our wonderful christmas sets, really getting them in the christmas spirit and indeed many sang along. On Friday 21st, the lovely Kirstie Allsop was also at Blenheim Palace with production company Raise the Roof as they were filming her christmas special of "Kirstie's Handmade Christmas" We were really excited to be part of this and even more excited when we saw ourselves on the telly!
"Thanks for the great job you did for us - there was a fantastic atmosphere in the entrance marquee with your singing." Julie Jenner - Living Crafts.
After 3 lovely days in Oxfordshire we headed off to Surrey and the beautiful Petworth House for their annual Christmas fair. The heavens had truly opened and the outdoor area where we we had performed last year resembled a small pond and was more suited to a family of ducks than two Nightingales! However, the show must go on and we found ourselves a new spot at the entrance of one of the marquees and sang our little hearts out spreading the christmas cheer, and even the rain couldn't stop people smiling and singing along, especially when we sang 'The hippopotamus song'!
We love a black tie event and on the 10th December we put away our red coats for the evening as we entertained the employees of AXA PPP Healthcare at their Christmas party. The guests enjoyed a fantastic sit down meal at the stunning Jeremy's restaurant just outside Haywards Heath in West Sussex. We sang some chilled easy listening sets with a handful of festive tunes thrown in for good measure!
"Great evening entertainment - really enjoyed ourselves" - Caroline Hobden - AXA PPP Healthcare
We were delighted to be booked by Leeds Castle on the 11th, 16th, 19th, and 22nd December to be part of their Christmas Market season. We sang on our very own bandstand at the heart of the market surrounded by ferris wheels, magic carousels, beautiful reindeers and lots of little German style chalets selling all sorts of wonderful xmas gifts. We sang two sets during the day to entertain the crowds as they took a rest from the shopping and enjoyed the fabulous hog roasts and not forgetting the mulled wine. It was the perfect setting and really got everyone in the mood for the Christmas season. We're looking forward to next year all ready!
"I just wanted to drop you a quick email to say thank you very much for playing at our Christmas market. The event was a brilliant success with over 40,000 visitors over the Christmas period. The Nightingales added to the whole experience and provided a lovely atmosphere for our visitors.
We were really pleased with your performance and professionalism and hope that you would be interested in coming back to see us next year." Katie Simpson - Events Assistant, Leeds Castle.
On 13th December we took a road trip down to sunny Hastings in Sussex. We took to the stage entertaining all the Christmas shoppers as they hit the shops! We were part of the towns festive weekend, little ones and grown ups were enjoying the ice rink, there were husky dogs, Santa and his helpers and at one point there was even snow! And of course there was plenty of singing.
After last years awful weather and the lovely Audleys Wood Hotel losing all their power we never made it to our Christmas Eve gig so we were thrilled to return this year and perform for the guests who would be celebrating Christmas at this stunning hotel. The guests enjoyed a delicious afternoon tea as we sang a selection of fun festive songs, really getting everyone in the christmas spirit and excited for the big day!
"Thank you very much for performing again for us on Christmas Eve – the feedback we received from our guests has been very positive." Simon Winter - Sales & Events Supervisor
We had a fantastic end to 2014 as we returned to the fabulous Restaurant 107 in Cranleigh, Surrey. As always, Jim was an amazing host, the guests arrived to a champagne reception and we sang some jazzy classics to set the mood. As the guests came to the end of their mouth watering 7 course meal we got back to the mics and really got the party started. They were a fantastic crowd and the dance floor was always full as we sang a real mixture of 1940's, 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's and current hits! They were really throwing some shapes and it was lovely to come together as Big Ben struck 12 and everyone joined us in a rousing version of Auld Langs Syne! Just brilliant! When it came for us to finish, they wanted more so we gave them an encore of "Can't take my eyes off of you" which sent them singing and dancing all the way home! All good things must come to an end but we will be back Restaurant 107.
