Join online Christmas carol concert in West Norfolk

The Churches Conservation Trust is set to host a free online Christmas Carol Service with the Royal School of Church Music.

Parishioners at churches across West Norfolk including St Nicholas' Chapel in Lynn may not be able to attend their usual carol services this year, but the CCT is inviting everyone to join in online.

Taking place on Saturday, December 12, at 6pm, the concert will be broadcasting from a Cambridge church to spread a little festive cheer.

Peter Aiers, chief executive of the Churches Conservation Trust, said: “It is the most wonderful Christmas gift to be working with the Royal School of Church Music to produce this Carol Service.

"We hope this service will be an opportunity, via the internet, to bring friends and families across the world together in celebration and joy at this challenging time. Although we cannot be together in the same place, we can all sing together to celebrate Christmas."

The concert will include well-known and loved favourites, including John Rutter conducting one of his own carols.

The service will be led by the Very Reverend Dr John Hall, with readings from special guests including Theresa May, Alexander Armstrong and Timothy Bentinck, from BBC Radio 4’s The Archers.

RSCM director Hugh Morris said: "We know that Christmas services in 2020 will be very different. We have already brought thousands of people together with the Big Easter Evensong and the Big Music Sunday Service, and we know how much this has been appreciated.

"It’s not just about watching: we are proud to have put together all the supporting resources so you can fully participate and prepare using the music scores and individual backing tracks, before joining in live with full heart and voice with the choir we were able to specially record, from wherever you are on the day."

The RSCM will be providing downloadable music packs, including rehearsal tracks to help singers around the world to practice in their own time, alongside the order of service.

Download a music pack at: https://www.rscm.org.uk/online-resources/the-big-christmas-carol-service/