VANCOUVER, BC --(Marketwired - November 01, 2016) - Yule Duel, the spirit of Christmas, returns to the vibrant streets of Gastown this December, in the form of hundreds of beautiful voices. Under the canopy of fairy lights and on the cobblestoned streets, Vancouver's oldest neighbourhood will host over 20 fantastic carolling choirs who, through the gift of music, will surely touch your heart.
On December 1st, Water Street will be transformed into an open air wonderland, filled with holiday cheer, a live marching percussion band and over 20 entertaining musical performances by some of Vancouver's most notable choirs. There will be a mainstage, judges and plenty of live music, all led by our host, the inimitable Fred Lee. Yule Duel is a fundraising event for May's Place which provides compassionate end-of-life care to some of the most vulnerable people in our community. Everyone will have the opportunity to give, knowing that they will receive much more in return. It's Carolling for a Cause.
"Yule Duel in Gastown is quickly becoming the Christmas Season's kick off in Vancouver. We love the event, as it brings Vancouverites out to an entertaining community charity event that makes a difference in our great city," explains Yule Duel jury member John Fluevog of Gastown-based Fluevog Shoes.
Yule Duel is the only live outdoor carolling event of its kind in BC and it's for one night. Gastown is the perfect setting for this fun, free and truly entertaining event that is essential for all music lovers. Joining the party will be Bloco Energia; a Brazilian percussion band who know how to get the crowd going.
This rare event is expected to draw thousands to Gastown to enjoy holiday and Christmas music from a diverse mix of choirs. Each group will be raising funds and competing for a chance to take home the Yule Duel trophy. Choirs will be setup along Water Street, performing a selection of holiday songs to entertain the crowd. Once the judges have made their rounds, the festive spirit will shift to the main stage as teams compete in a final sing-off.
How Yule Duel Works:
When: December 1, from 6-9 PM.
Where: Along Water Street in Vancouver's vibrant Gastown.
What to expect: Choirs will be performing along Water Street. People can wander the street to enjoy a diverse selection of carolling performances by over 20 of Vancouver's top choirs, each with a unique style ranging from rock to pop to gospel. There are a number of opportunities for people to make donations to the groups they like best.
Why the "Duel" in Yule Duel? Throughout the evening choirs will sing their hearts out in hopes of performing in a sing-off on the main stage. Everyone is welcome to vote for their favourite choir, by buying a button for $5 and casting a vote. Near 8pm, the panel of celebrity judges will select their favourite choirs from those with the most votes. The top two choirs will then 'duel' it out on stage.
Judges: This year's judges include: John Fluevog, Fluevog Shoes; Morna Edmondson, Elektra Women's Choir; Mike Forrester, Coastal Jazz; Rebecca Bollwitt, Miss 604; and Vision Councilor, Heather Deal.
MC: People will be entertained by hilarious and charming Fred Lee.
Choirs: Saint James Music Academy Choir, the Lions Gate Chorus, and Vancouver Pops Choir are among the wide range of top level choirs you will see and hear.
"All donations received will be given to May's Place, which provides compassionate end-of-life care to some of the most vulnerable people in our community," said Michele Sutherland, Manager of Hospice Services at May's Place. "We're so grateful for the generous support this event received last year, raising more than $38,000 to support our charity. We can't wait to see what this year brings!"
Yule Duel is a joint partnership between the Gastown Business Improvement Society and The Bloom Group, the nonprofit operator of May's Place. Media partners include Global TV, the Georgia Straight, and Miss 604. Local sponsors include Big Little, The Social Agency, Club Card, Richards Buell Sutton, Inform Interiors, and Miss604.com.
For additional information, including how to register as a choir, volunteer or become an event sponsor, please visit yuleduel.com.
Or follow along on social at:
Instagram & Twitter: @yuleduel #yuleduel
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YuleDuel
May's Place is operated by The Bloom Group Community Services Society (formerly St. James Community Service Society), which has provided some of the most progressive social services in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside for over 50 years. A registered charity, The Bloom Group operates hospices, emergency shelters for women and women-led families, supportive mental health facilities, affordable housing and a financial management program for vulnerable seniors.
The Gastown Business Improvement Society, a non-for-profit association, promotes the shared interests of commercial property owners and businesses located within the neighbourhood boundaries, supporting the area's growth and development, while making a positive impact on the community.
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Contact Information:
PR CONTACT
Sonam Ram
The Social Agency
+1.778.990.6008
sonam@thesocialagency.ca
www.thesocialagency.ca
