Local singer/songwriter, April Shipton has released a Christmas song, ‘Who Is This King,’ which made its first public debut at Ross Baptist Church’s Candlelight Service on Sunday, December 18th.

April told the Ross Gazette that she wrote the song last Christmas, having been inspired by all the thoughts and reflections around that time of year. April explained that as she is a Christian, the festive season is particularly important to her.

She said: “Contrary to clichéd jingle effects and familiar brass bands, Who Is This King was inspired by the more ethereal and mysterious Christmas songs like O Come, O Come Immanuel and O Holy Night.

“The lyrics tell of an unusual King, who was born to a virgin girl and who later died a criminal’s death, conveying the bittersweet story of Christmas - that Jesus was born in order to die.”

April’s new Christmas song has been very well received, and she told the Gazette:?“I’m absolutely thrilled with how the song has come out and can’t wait for everyone to hear it!”

Earlier this year, April also co-wrote a charity single, ‘Thirteen,’ with her friend, Amy Box. This song has raised £315 for Save From Slavery so far, a national organisation which provides intensive support and long term restoration to women rescued from sex-trafficking in the UK.

The duo launched the charity song live in November, with a live performance at the Maximise Conference in Cheltenham. The duo were joined on stage by professional actor, Joel Daffurn.

For your chance to hear the song, or to download the track, visit: www.aprilshipton.co.uk/who-is-this-king.