'The Phil' choir sings outdoors in York St Helens Square

Today (December 14), the York Philharmonic Male Choir sang in front of the Christmas tree in St Helens Square.

Ahead of this weekend's outdoor performance, businesses at the edge of St Helens Square – The Ivy, Impossible York, Betty's, Mansion House and Harkers – will be donating raffle prizes, and charities will receive donations at the performance. Includes Shine 21, Menfulness and North Yorkshire Music Therapy. center.

Crowds soon filled the square, stopping to listen to music and donate to good causes (Image: Kevin Glenton) It was a busy December for the choir, which is about to turn 100 years old.

Last night (December 13th) the press was invited to a carol concert at Bar Abbey. The concert featured the colloquial name “The Phil,” and carols filled every corner of the packed chapel, with the audience joining in on three of the community's favorites. .

'The Phil' before their performance at The Bar Convent, Blossom Street yesterday (December 13th) (Image: Kevin Glenton) Proceeds from this performance went towards supporting the ongoing work of Barr Convent Living Heritage Center and supporting the choir.

Choir president Mike Wash said the choir's annual “Christmas Traditions” performance, performed to a packed house earlier this month, was a huge hit, with more tickets sold for Friday's performance than in previous years. .

It was first performed in the 1960s as Carols in Kirkgate, then moved to Merchants Adventurers Hall, then De Gray Rooms and now The Citadel Church in Gillygate.

The press will be following “The Phil” throughout the 100th anniversary year.