Candlelit Christmas carols at Salisbury Cathedral

Salisbury Cathedral’s much loved candlelit carol service The Christmas Procession is on Sunday 21 and Monday 22 December at 7.00pm. This service is a combination of readings interspersed with carols sung by both the choir and congregation, and for the first time they will be joined by a marvellous ensemble of trumpets, trombones and tuba.

The focus of the procession is the Christmas Crib. Peter Rush’s much-admired papier maché figures portray the story of the birth of Jesus and, at the climax of the service, the choir and clergy kneel around the nativity creating a scene of simplicity and intimacy whilst a solo boy treble sings the opening of Harold Darke’s sublime setting of ‘In the bleak midwinter’.

David Halls, Director of Music, said “This is the time of year when the boy and girl choristers and the gentlemen of the choir are most in the public eye. There is a huge expectation on them as they sing on many occasions in addition to the daily round of services. My colleagues and I are extremely proud of the way they rise to this challenge and through their singing enhance the worship of all who attend cathedral services.”

Doors open at 6.00pm and entry into the Cathedral is via the Consistory Court (the main visitor entrance). Those who wish to arrive early may queue under cover in the cloisters where seasonal refreshments are available.

These services are not ticketed and all are welcome but please note there can be no admission once all seats are taken. There is no public parking in The Close but parking will be made available for Disabled Blue Badge holders entering The Close via the High Street Gate.

For more information, log on to SalisburyCathedral.org.uk.