The Big Christmas Carol Service

18 Nov 2020

On Saturday 12th December (6.00pm GMT) we will be hosting an exclusive free joint Christmas Carol Service together with the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM).

This year, more than ever, with families separated and Carol Services not happening in their traditional form, it is so important to come together as a collective voice.   

The service will be led by the Chair of the RSCM, the Very Reverend Dr John Hall and there will be readings and contributions from some very special guests including The Rt Hon Theresa May MP, Alexander Armstrong and Timothy Bentinck (‘David Archer’); and a wide variety of music including John Rutter conducting one of his own carols.    

Broadcasting from the beautiful All Saints' church in the heart of Cambridge, the music will include well-known and loved favourites, as well as approachable new carols.   

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.  

RSCM Director, Hugh Morris, explains “We know that Christmas services in 2020 will be, as with so many other things, very different. In this transformed landscape, 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. But at this time in particular, we know that the sense of separation, dislocation and even loss will be sharply felt. The RSCM as a charity is all about supporting the church and church musicians make the best of music in worship, and so this is a powerful way we can provide a positive solution this year. It’s not just about watching: we are proud to have put together all the supporting resources which mean that 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.” 

Peter Aiers, Chief Executive, Churches Conservation Trust says: “It is the most wonderful Christmas gift to be working with the Royal School of Church Music to produce this Carol Service. We seek to demonstrate the importance of the parish church to communities right across the country (and the world) as places of history, beauty and music. 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 Big Christmas Carol Service is set to be a really BIG special event and everyone is encouraged to spread the invitation to join in as far and wide as possible.  Look out and share their social media posts and hashtags #thebigchristmascarolservice and #singforchristmas.   

Watch on YouTube here

Watch on Facebook here