‘Choir of Davids’ record attempt in Aberdeen

IN A musical gathering that would have made celebrity choirmaster Gareth Malone proud, more than 100 singers all named David came together to perform the popular Christmas carol Once in Royal David’s City, as festive celebrations began around the country.

David Souter and grandson David Will sang in Aberdeen. Picture: Newsline

The Aberdeen Christmas choir were hoping to sing their way into the Guinness World Records with the largest performance by a group of people all called David.

The gauntlet was thrown down by the local tourist board, VisitAberdeen, which invited anyone aged seven or over called David to take part in the Christmas carol singing in Aberdeen yesterday afternoon. With no experience necessary, 121 Davids, Daves and Davies turned up for the challenge and sang six verses of the festive song.

The group was part of the entertainment to promote Aberdeen’s Christmas lights switch-on and winter festival, which started at 3pm at the city’s Castlegate area.

Days before, choirmaster Malone tweeted his support for the event, urging as many Davids as possible to go along.

Last night, VisitAberdeen said the record attempt would be submitted to Guinness, but that it could take up to six weeks before they discover whether they have been successful.

Chief executive Steve Harris said he was delighted at the turn-out.

Davy Shanks from the Aberdeen-based radio station Original FM led the singing.

He said: “I had to sing the first line solo – then the other 120 other Davids joined in. It was great fun – people wore Santa hats and name tags saying David. Afterwards everyone called David got a mince pie. There was a great community spirit.”

Meanwhile in Edinburgh, 26,000 people descended on George Street, closed off for the first major event of the capital’s revamped festive season.

A free street carnival with more than 1,300 performers attracted a much bigger crowd than expected, with congestion after the fireworks that followed the city’s lights being switched on by Olympian Sir Chris Hoy.

However, organisers said no injuries were reported.

Charlie Wood, director of promoter Underbelly, said: “I feel proud and honoured that we were allowed to stage the event and work with so many brilliant people on it.”

Sir Chris said: “Edinburgh’s always a special place, but at Christmas time when the lights are on, it is a beautiful setting.”