COMMUNITY carol services will unite people across the UK this month.

The Princess of Wales will hold her fourth annual Together at Christmas event for 1,600 people at Westminster Abbey in December, supported by The Royal Foundation.

This year’s service provides a moment to reflect upon the importance of love and empathy and how much we need each other.

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Her Royal Highness wanted to celebrate people supporting those in need – individuals who have inspired, counselled, comforted, and shown love is the greatest gift we can receive. This theme takes inspiration from the Christmas story which encourages us to consider the experiences of others and the important human need of giving and receiving empathy.

The service will see the Westminster Abbey choir perform some of the nation’s most beloved carols, alongside musical performances by guests including Paloma Faith, Olivia Dean and Gregory Porter.

The service will share stories of some of the guests in the congregation who have supported their communities.

There will be 15 community carol services around the country, hosted by Lord Lieutenants.

The Northumberland Lieutenancy is proud to provide an opportunity for 400 guests who supported others to unite and celebrate their community work - by the coast, on the sea, in the air, upon the fields and in the hills.

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Dr Caroline Pryer, Lord Lieutenant of Northumberland, said: "Our service at Hexham Abbey on Monday, December 9 at 7pm is tailored to our Northumberland community celebrating 'Saying Yes, Building Community and being Called To Serve', and will include elements of the Westminster Abbey service.

"We have the British Army Band Catterick joining us and Year 3 children from The Sele First School in Hexham. We shall sing a number of carols also included in the Together at Christmas service.

"We shall have candles to illustrate ‘we are all each other’s light’. We shall have moments of reflection about the importance of loved ones, especially during difficult times and be able to read the Princess of Wales’ message of heartfelt celebration of everyone, and a reminder that at Christmas, and throughout the year, we must all shine for each other." 

Dr Pryer thanked the rector David Glover and his Hexham Abbey team for arranging the service and bringing people together, the Lieutenancy team, Northumberland County Council and the Royal Foundation for their support.  

 

Entry is by ticket only and they are available for free at www.ticketsource.co.uk/n-c-c.