Published as a standalone piece, Mirabile Dictu, is the first carol in the collection, and is written for SATB choir and piano. The Manchester Carols is a collection of 12 carols, linked with a gentle, entertaining narration, which reshape and modernise the Christmas story. Its creators Sasha Johnson Manning and Carol Ann Duffy wanted to write something that is relevant to and reflects modern society, and which acknowledges the fact that even though someone might not subscribe to the religion behind the Nativity story, they can still appreciate it as an inspiring, magical tale. The carols are for everyone, believers or not and are a popular Christmas choice for choirs looking for a large scale concert piece.