Spitalfields Winter Festival.

12-21 Dec 2005. The newly restored 18th-century Christ Church in Spitalfields hosts the first week of this Christmas music and carol singing festival in Londons East End. Opening night sees a celebratory ringing of the church bells at 18.30 followed by Brittens Ceremony of Carols performed by the Choir of New College, Oxford. Mediaeval music and 12th-15th century carols follow on 13 Dec, performed by Concanentes, while the Community Carol Service on 14 Dec is a non-ticket event. On 15 Dec Gabrieli Consort and Players give two performances of Schtzs Christmas Story, Magnificat and O Bone Jesu. Finally on 16 Dec the Holst Singers will give a contemporary carol concert entitled Kings Carols from Christ Church. The second week opens with a Sing Gospel workshop at Shoreditch Church on 19 Dec, followed by two performances of Music at the Chapel Royal, a concert for trumpet, cello and organ in the Chapel of St Peters in the Tower of London. The closing night features an all-female group performing traditional spirituals and gospel singing in Black Voices at the Shoreditch Church. Occasional lunchtime events at 13.15 include Medieval Merriment and The Lunchtime Singers offering seasonal songs, sherry and mince-pies. Admission 20-5. Concerts at Christ Church start at 19.00, 20.00 & 21.00. Check informative website for more details.