Jingle Belles to ring out

Cork city will once again be filled with festive carols, as The Jingle Belles, an all-female choir, take to the streets on Saturday 20 December

From 11am on the last Saturday before Christmas, the Belles will perform at various locations across Cork city centre, dressed in their signature white hats and scarves.

They will be collecting donations for Cork Penny Dinners, a local charity dedicated to supporting those in need.

They will then join the St Luke’s Male Voice Choir for a festive finale at the GPO at 5.30pm that evening.

The choir first appeared in 2010. Last year alone, they raised nearly €12,000 for Cork Penny Dinners.

“Cork Penny Dinners exists to ensure that no one in our communist goes hungry. Our purpose is simple but vital – to provide nutritious meals in a warm welcoming space where everyone is treated with dignity and respect,” said a spokesperson.

“Our objectives remain the same today as they did in 1883, to offer food, support, and compassion to those in need while keeping the spirit of kindness and community alive,” they added.

A voluntary organisation, Cork Penny Dinners receives no funding from the Government and relies entirely on donations and fundraising events.

As part of this year’s fundraising efforts, Jingle Belle Patricia Shalloe has created Christmas cards featuring her painting of the choir, with all proceeds raised going to the charity.

The Belles will also perform alongside the St Luke’s Male Voice Choir on Tuesday 23 December at the Live at St Luke’s Church. Doors open at 4.45pm. Donations collected will benefit both Cork Penny Dinners and Marymount Hospice.

Donations can also be made online via idonate.ie.