THE WINNERS of the Song For Christmas 2023 competition were crowned and presented with a trophy following their rendition of 'Walking in the Air' with the whole school celebrating the victory. 

Woodlands Primary School took first place with Andy Munns from Salisbury Radio and head judge and former headteacher Anne Munns visiting the school today (Tuesday, January 9) to present the Song for Christmas trophy and book vouchers worth £250. 

The whole school were there to celebrate the choir which includes pupils from years 5 and 6. They won the competition for their performance of 'Walking in the Air' and they performed their winning song for the whole school before receiving the trophy and book vouchers.

Salisbury Journal: Woodlands Primary SchoolWoodlands Primary School (Image: Salisbury Radio)

Anne Munns told the school: "When I heard which song it was, I knew it was a hard song to sing and didn't know what to expect. When I heard you singing, I was amazed at how great you sounded, and when you performed it for us today, it was even better! Congratulations."

Twenty schools participated in the competition at the end of 2023 and the standard was very high. Judges listened to the songs from each school, without knowing which school had sung each song.

Salisbury Journal: Woodlands Primary School receive a prizeWoodlands Primary School receive a prize (Image: Salisbury Radio)

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Head teacher at Woodlands Primary School, Mr Kitley, head teacher said: “Well, this is fantastic news, it’s going to mean the world to the children. They have worked so hard. All of our year five and year six form our school choir.

“I am slightly biased, but it is a wonderful version of Walking in the Air. It’s going to be a great chance for the children to choose some books they really want.”

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One pupil in year 5, Riley said that he hoped that the school would purchase some David Walliams books with the vouchers, as he is his favourite author.

Andy Munns, a presenter at Salisbury Radio, said: “This year, the standard has been so high, every school upped their game. It was a special moment when we recorded the song at Woodlands; the children sang with smiles on their faces and gave it their all – it was so heart-warming.

“We look forward to seeing what the schools sing in 2024 and hopefully more schools taking part and we will find a way to squeeze in as many as we can.”

Alderbury and West Grimstead Primary School were runners-up and received £150 in book vouchers.