CAPTION: A girl chorister takes part in the recording of the online carol service
Exeter Cathedral Choir releases ‘singalong’ carol service
Exeter Cathedral Choir has filmed a special singalong Carol Service for people to join in at home across Devon and beyond.
It is also hoped that churches and other organisations, like care homes, prisons, schools and hospitals, will show the service in a year in which normal carol services will not be possible in some places.
The Covid-19 regulations mean church congregations cannot currently sing inside the building, although singing outside is permitted and choirs can perform.
People classed as being in the same household or bubble can sing together (for example, inside a care home).
The video service features well-known carols and Christmas readings
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.
An is available to download so people have the words.
The online service is part of Exeter Cathedral’s mission to support the community of Devon after a particularly difficult year.
“We wish you a very Happy Christmas” Canon James Mustard
Canon James Mustard, who oversees the Cathedral’s choirs, said, “Exeter Cathedral is delighted to share this online carol service with the people of Devon.
“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.
Exeter Cathedral, often described as Devon’s “Mother church” has also planned a full calendar of services that can be attended by physically-distanced congregations inside the Cathedral. Many of them are also being livestreamed.
A full schedule of services for December including Nativity, Carol and Crib Services, as well as Midnight Mass, can be found on the Exeter Cathedral website at www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk
