A very Cadence Christmas

Saturday night magic, mince pies, and more than a little snow…

In the run-up to A Very Cadence Christmas, it would be fair to say the odds weren’t exactly stacked in our favour. Personal heartbreaks, flu bugs, and last-minute cancellations threatened to derail things more than once. But if there’s one thing Cadence Collective does exceptionally well, it’s rally. What followed was a masterclass in teamwork, kindness, flexibility, and sheer determination… and the result was one of the most joyful, heartfelt evenings we’ve ever shared.

A celebrity appearance

The night was compered by Father Christmas himself… our very own Gary Williams… who somehow managed to be both utterly believable and wickedly funny. Accompanied by his mischievous elves, he opened the show with Santa Claus Is Coming to Town, complete with a brilliantly playful elf dance routine choreographed by Harri Harris.

This was a particularly special night for Gary, as it marked his very first show as part of Cadence, alongside Amy Leyland, who also made her debut with us with her spectacular version of Leona Lewis's One more sleep. Both stepped into the Cadence world with warmth, confidence, and festive flair, and we’re so proud to have them as part of the collective.

Featured soloists

The opening section of the show featured our soloists… Rachel Hensman, Joe Heasman, Christina Budd, Lucy Slater, Vicki Armstrong, and Lianne Anderson… who set the tone with warmth, sparkle, and festive energy, before the full ensemble took us on a beautifully varied musical journey.

Cadence take to the stage

Our setlist blended much-loved classics like Let It Snow and The Most Wonderful Time of the Year with fresher, less-covered numbers such as Lonely This Christmas and Santa Tell Me. True to Cadence form, everyone had their moment to be seen and heard… something that felt especially present in this Christmas show.

Our Choreo Queen

Harri choreographed the entire show under serious time pressure, and the results were outstanding. The movement throughout the night was engaging, clever, and often unexpectedly moving… and we couldn’t be prouder of the whole group for learning and committing to it in such a short space of time.

One standout highlight was White Winter Hymnal, featuring a complex clapping routine we’d previously only ever attempted with five singers. This time, most of the group took part… and it paid off spectacularly. Another was O Holy Night, performed by candlelight, creating a quiet, reverent moment that contrasted beautifully with the high-energy numbers around it.

A sprinkle of festive magic

The Factory Space itself was transformed into something genuinely magical… twinkly, festive, and full of atmosphere. And when the snow machine fired up for our finale, Merry Christmas Everybody, it was the perfect, joyful full stop to the night.

During the interval, Santa headed to his grotto to meet the children and hand out gifts… a moment that brought smiles all round. The Christmas jumper theme was embraced with enthusiasm, and Emma Perkins took home the Best Dressed prize, joined by her gorgeous baby Amelia.

Some very special guests

We were honoured to welcome a number of VIPs, including the Chairman of BCP Council, Cllr Lesley Dedman, Mayor Jackie Edwards of Bournemouth, several local councillors, a family from Julia’s House Children’s Hospice, and Martin Edwards, CEO of Julia’s House. We are deeply grateful for their continued support and belief in what Cadence is building.

Our reason

Most importantly of all, the night raised an incredible amount for Julia’s House Children’s Hospice. While the final total is still being confirmed, we’ve already passed £2,100, and we couldn’t be prouder.

A Very Cadence Christmas reminded us why we do this. Music, community, generosity, and a lot of heart… wrapped up in harmony, tinsel, and snow.