SING, CHOIRS OF ANGELS!
Find comfort and joy at a gloriously festive family concert near you
Basking in the joyous harmonies of choirs singing carols in candle-lit churches is usually an unmissable part of a family Christmas. and this year should be no different, with the current relaxation of lockdown rules allowing three households to mix at a church from December 23 to 27.
However, while churches of all denominations across the country are offering a range of Christmas events, social- distancing rules means smaller congregations.
Here’s our pick of the best — but don’t delay, as most must be booked and they are filling up fast.
SUPER SOMERSET
wellscathedral.org.uk
THERE are still free tickets to hear Wells’s choir sing in the inspiring setting of one of Britain’s most attractive cathedrals. The choir has been judged the world’s best by gramophone magazine.
You can also book to join free children’s crib services or to see violinist Tasmin Little’s concerts (Dec 18-19, £15-£50). The free candlelit service on Christmas morning doesn’t require booking.
NORFOLK PILGRIMAGE
cathedral.org.uk
FREE tickets are still available to join traditional events at norwich Cathedral, including choral processions (Dec 20, 22 & 24) and a family service with carols on Christmas morning.
WINNING WINCHESTER
winchester-cathedral.org.uk
ONE of europe’s largest cathedrals, Winchester is offering a free programme of festive events, but nightly Christmas carol services and Midnight Mass have only rear nave seats left.
Thankfully, there are plenty of spaces remaining for Christmas morning services.
CHESTER’S FINEST
chestercathedral.com
THIS historic former monastery is embracing the Christmas relaxation of rules with gusto. Tickets are available for the daily family Christmas Tree Festival (adults £2.50, children free), plus various concerts, recitals and services — there’s even a chance to visit santa in the Cathedral refectory.
HOLY CANTERBURY
canterbury-cathedral.org
THERE’S still time to book free tickets to experience services at our most important anglican Cathedral, including an atmospheric Christmas morning service in the crypt and afternoon choral performance in the nave.
MINSTER MARVELS
yorkminster.org
TICKETS for services in the uplifting interior of the home of the archbishop of York have almost run out. There are still a few spaces left for a few services, including solemn evensong on Christmas Day.
WELSH HARMONY
llandaffcathedral.org.uk
FREE tickets are rapidly disappearing for Cardiff ’ s gothic cathedral’s Christmas programme, but we found there are still spaces on Christmas eve and Christmas Day. There’s been a cathedral here since the sixth century.
its long history includes sustaining damage from a german mine during World War ii.
SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL
THE excellent website achurchnearyou.com is the best way to explore smaller Church of england sites anywhere in the Uk.
and if you can’t make a service this Christmas, join the online celebrity-filled charity concert Carols By Candlelight, starring Dame Judi Dench and Jenny agutter among others, in aid of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
The service is being held tomorrow at 7pm. Tickets £10 ( cysticfibrosis.org.uk).