Feel the spirit at Cokesbury music festival

If you find yourself tuned into the local radio station humming the tune of “Jingle Bells,” you might have something called the Christmas spirit.

It’s common this time of year; in fact, it’s to be expected.

The people of Cokesbury Methodist Church know what you’re going through, and they want to offer people of the Eastern Shore an opportunity to enjoy the Christmas season with their 16th annual Cokesbury Christmas Music Festival.

“This is a great way to get into the holiday spirit, because many of the performances include the crowd in some of the songs,” festival chairman Paul Bowers said. “It’s normally a lively, happy time where participation is encouraged.”

The festival will run from 1-5 p.m. Musicians include Orchestra of the Eastern Shore, Marilyn Kellam, Larry Giddens and “Circle of Friends,” ESO Youth Chorale, Waterfront Band and Market Street United Methodist Church Choir.

Each musician will play selections from George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah” with other Christmas collections and pieces.

“The audience reaction has always been overwhelmingly positive,” Bowers said. “We seem to leave in awe of the talent we have locally on our little sliver of the Eastern Shore of Virginia.”

People are welcome to come for the entire event or to come and go as they please. There is no ticket required, nor is there an admission fee. The sing-along concert is connected with a tour of ornately decorated homes in the community, and Bowers encourages those people to come, as well.

“We want people to come as a way to kick off the holiday season in a festive musical as we celebrate the birth of Christ,” he said. “We always like to thank the musicians that come because they all donate their time; it is a gift from the performers to the community.”

If You Go

Cokesbury Christmas Music Festival

When: 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12

Where: Cokesbury Church in Onancock

Cost: Free

Online: http://www.esvatourism.org