Cathedral's singalong-a-Christmas

Carols are online

Exeter Cathedral Choir has filmed a special singalong carol service for people to join in at home across Devon and beyond.

They also hope churches, care homes, prisons, schools and hospitals will show the service, given that covid-19 regulations mean church congregations are banned from singing indoors.

The good news is that singing outside is permitted and choirs can perform, as can people who are bubbled, such as care home residents or prisoners.
The service includes a traditional mix of readings and popular Christmas carols, specially performed by Exeter Cathedral’s adult choir and young choristers – including festive favourites such as Once in Royal David’s City, O Little Town of Bethlehem and Away in a Manger. Not included is Fairytale of New York, sweary version or otherwise, but an order of service is available to download so people have the words to the songs they do cover.

Canon James Mustard, who oversees the Cathedral choir, said: “All our Christmas celebrations are going to be a little bit different this year, but we hope that this carol service will give you, wherever you are, the opportunity to hear again the story of the birth of Jesus and sing along with some favourite carols. We wish you a very Happy Christmas, and we look forward to welcoming you back to your cathedral very soon.”

The Christmas Carol Service video can be downloaded for free from the Diocese of Exeter’s Vimeo video sharing platform. It has also been uploaded Exeter Cathedral’s Facebook page and Youtube channel. An order of service is available to download so people have the words.