Claudine Housen, Staff Reporter

Hundreds of Montegonians came out to witness the St. James Parish Council's annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony and concert, in Sam Sharpe Square on Monday. The actual lighting was done by Kathleen Cooke, customer service manager for the Jamaica Public Service (JPS), Joy Clarke, Digicel regional sales manager and Mayor of Montego Bay Noel Donaldson.

WESTERN BUREAU:

Christmas came early for the more than 1,000 Montegonians who attended the St. James Parish Council's annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony and concert, in Sam Sharpe Square on Monday.

The 34-year-old event, which includes a free concert, was a big hit with patrons.

And entertained they were as by the time the entertainment team got to the venue all four streets leading into the square were packed with people - even the balconies of nearby structures were occupied.

The St. James Parish Council outdid themselves, from the moment the Christmas message concluded at about 8:00 p.m. right back until about 11:00 p.m. it was all singing, praying and screaming.

The entertainment package opened with the Mount Salem Open Bible Dance Group who did a beautiful interpretive dance. Singer Mark Richards followed them. He was followed by the energetic gospel group, New Generation, whose song Jesus Love the Yute Dem had the crowd all fired up.

The tempo was slowed a little when the 20-member Adorracion choir, took the stage with songs.

Digicel Rising Stars runner-up, Nickiesha Barnes, as she sings a Christmas carol during the St. James Parish Council's annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony and concert, in Sam Sharpe Square on Monday. - Photo by Claudine Housen/Staff Photographer

Patrons scream as Digicel Rising Stars champions One Third take the stage. Old, young, boy or girl, one thing is certain, they all love the group.