Armagh will host one of the first of 15 ‘Together at Christmas’ Community Carol Services which are taking place across the UK, this Wednesday, December 3 at 7.30pm.
The event – supported by The Royal Foundation – is part of an annual initiative spearheaded by The Princess of Wales to recognise and thank the many people around the country who act with love in their communities, contributing to a more cohesive and connected society.
The local service is inspired by The Princess of Wales’ Westminster Abbey service, which will be televised on Christmas Eve on ITV1 and ITVX.
This year, the services will bring people together to celebrate love in all its forms – whether it’s love within families, through friendship, across communities, or even through powerful moments of connection with strangers.
The Community Carol Services span the breadth of the UK, from Lanarkshire to the Isle of Wight. Like the Westminster Abbey Service, each will combine traditional and modern elements to offer a meaningful and inclusive celebration for people of all faiths and none.
As we approach the festive season, we are reminded of the power of togetherness and the services will highlight the transformative power of investing in one another with compassion, presence and joy.
The service taking place in St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral, Armagh will be led by the Very Reverend Shane Forster, Dean of Armagh, and will bring together charitable organisations from across Northern Ireland who support and encourage those in need in the community, as well as representatives of the emergency services. The evening will include scripture readings by clergy from the Methodist, Presbyterian and Roman Catholic communities.
The event will also feature performances by choristers and musicians from Lisanally Special School, The Royal School Armagh, an Irish Traditional Music Group, alongside the Cathedral Choir. In recognition of this year’s theme, the poem Christmas Forgiveness, Kindness and Love by Jenny Maryl will be read.
Amanda Berry CBE, CEO, The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, commented: “Our Royal Foundation Community Carol Services embody the true spirit of the festive season. This December marks the fourth year that The Royal Foundation has had the privilege of supporting these special community gatherings, shining a light on truly remarkable people right across the UK. From small towns to major cities, these wonderful and uplifting occasions bring people together to honour those who have made a lasting difference in their communities throughout the year.”
The Very Reverend Shane Forster, Dean of Armagh, said: “I’m delighted that the Cathedral is hosting one of the Community Carol Services at the beginning of December. This event will be a wonderful opportunity for us to come together and to celebrate those who are truly making a difference in the community. It will be made all the more special because it is taking place when the gift of love is very much the theme of the season.”
The Rt Hon the Earl of Caledon KCVO, Lord Lieutenant of County Armagh said: “We are delighted to be hosting one of this year’s ‘Together at Christmas’ carol services at St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral, in conjunction with The Very Reverend Shane Forster, Dean of Armagh.”
The Community Carol Services are proudly supported by Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation, which is providing vouchers for refreshments and Hobbycraft, which is kindly gifting craft sets to the children attending the services, as well as Christmas decorations.
Event Details:
Date: Wednesday 3rd December at 7.30pm
Venue: St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral, Armagh
Performers/Contributors: Lisanally Special School, The Royal School Armagh, an Irish Traditional Music Group and St Patrick’s Cathedral Choir
