Otley teenager launching charity Christmas song

Sixteen year old singer Emeli Mumford, a seasoned performer and finalist in a number of major talent contests, wrote Dear Santa herself.

The Prince Henry’s Grammar School student also produced the single and leads a chorus of 40 local children, aged from four to 13, who perform on it.

Dear Santa, which has been endorsed by Save the Children, will be launched at Prince Henry’s at 5pm on Friday, November 23 ahead of its official release on Saturday, December 1.

A-level student Emeli, who is inviting local residents to join her and the Dear Santa Choir at the launch, said: “Ever since I was young I’ve always loved to help and give.

“Whether it be holding the door open for a stranger or making homemade presents for people as a surprise, I love the satisfaction of seeing people happy.

“I’ve also always loved children, especially teaching them. I chose Save the Children as I feel emotionally connected to the charity and love what they do.

“The common misconception is that they focus their work with children in developing countries such as Africa and Yemen but they help children everywhere, even here.

“The Dear Santa project felt like a way to connect all my favourite things and give back. Teaching children the tricks of the trade for singing, whilst releasing my first single and helping a charity, is idyllic to me.”

Dear Santa is available to pre-order from major platforms including Spotify, Deezer, Amazon music, Google Play music, iTunes and Apple Music, and VEVO. A music video will accompany the release.

The Dear Santa Choir meanwhile (featuring children from Otley, Pool-in-Wharfedale, Leeds, Bradford, Harrogate, Burley-in-Wharfedale and Ilkley) will join Emeli at future public performances, including the switching on of Otley’s Christmas lights.

The children are mainly from the Performance Drama School and Damien Poole Theatre Arts, where Emeli performs and teaches. She also works with artist Vanessa Forero who co-produced the backing for Dear Santa.