Merry Christmas from The Gorbals!
After the pandemic prevented any public Christmas celebrations in 2020, it was finally time to #LightUpTheGorbals again. I always look forward to shooting this on behalf of New Gorbals Housing Association, and it felt extra special this year.
The festivities started with The G5 Kids Choir performing their Christmas Concert. Originally, this was supposed to take place in the Piazza outside the NGHA office, but Storm Barra put a stop to this by threatening unsafe weather conditions.
Thankfully, the choir were welcomed into the warmth of Gorbals Parish Church, and after a brief rehearsal, families were invited inside to watch.
Led by Givin in Laldie, accompanying on keyboard, the kids were so excited they could hardly stand still, and you could tell how hard they’d work to learn the songs. They absolutely sang their wee hearts oot! This is the kind of event that is easily forgotten amongst the logistical chaos of negotiating the pandemic, but which makes such a difference to young people in the community.
As well as the choir, a number of young Gorbalites took the stage to accompany on guitar. Seeing the pride on their faces, and that of their families in the audience, is one of the best things about shooting events like this.
To a standing ovation, the choir left the stage, found their friends and families, and were led outside into the piazza for the next part of the festivities. Storm Barra had failed to materialise, so although some of the plans had to be shelved, it was still possible to enjoy the best bit - switching on the Christmas Lights!
Two members of the choir had been nominated to hit the big reed button, and families gathered around the tree counting down to the switch on. 3, 2, 1….
As if the countdown wasn’t loud enough, the whoops and cheers and squeals that rang out when the fairy lights came on were amazing - it might just be a few lights, and not as spectacular as a movie or a concert, but it was every bit as exciting for the kids. We’ve been a bit starved of shared experiences like this these past two years, so this was a great reminder of how important these things are; not just for kids, but for everyone in the community. Coming together, finding joy in the simple things and in the company of our neighbours, celebrating reaching the end of the year and thinking of the days ahead. And of course singing songs, taking selfies, and running round and round the tree in circles til you’re too tired to walk home.
I always look forward to these events, rounding off the year on a high with cheer and community. This year the Gorbals Christmas event actually was my final shoot of 2021, as a week later I had to self-isolate after one of my contacts tested positive. Fortunately they’re doing ok, and possibly thanks to the booster jag I received on the morning of this event, I tested negative.
Rearranging the rest of my December shoots and events was a hassle, but I made sure no one will miss out on anything as a result of my isolation, and I’d much rather be safe than sorry. Staying at home has given me a chance to properly clear the decks before I turn on my out-of-office email reply, and after a really wild few months of shoots and projects, I am well and truly ready for some time off.
Wishing you a wonderful Christmas, and see you in 2022!
