Reading Minster will again throw open its doors for the Civic Carol Service on Thursday 15 December.
An evening of carols and lessons retelling the story of the Nativity is again being hosted by Reading Minster of St Mary the Virgin, in St Mary’s Butts, at 6.30pm
The free Civic Service is a highlight of the town’s festive season, and members of the public are welcome to join.
The service includes carols for the whole congregation to join in with, including ‘O Come all ye Faithful’ and ‘Silent Night’, as well as performances from the Minster Choir.
There will also be traditional readings throughout, from The Mayor of Reading, Cllr Rachel Eden ,Dr. Peter Durrant MBE, Deputy Lord-Lieutenant of Berkshire, David Stevens, chair of the Reading Dusseldorf Association (RDA), Amendeep Mavi, chair of Reading Youth Council, and Jamie Dewson, Casework Supervisor, SupportU Reading.
Rev. Sonya Wratten will welcome the congregation to the Minster and invite members to enjoy mulled wine, kindly provided by Blue Collar Street Food, based at Blue Collar Corner, and mince pies after the service.
This year will also see the return of the International Peace Light to Reading. Kindled from the Grotto of the Nativity, by a child who has done something notable in his or her community, the light distributed at a Service of Dedication to delegations from across Europe. British Scouts collect the Light from French Scouts, & it is carried by P&O ferries and distributed throughout Britain.
The Peace Light will travel through Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Berkshire, Wiltshire, Dorset, Somerset, Devon, Cornwall & South Wales, whilst other distributers share it throughout England, Scotland, Ireland and the Isle of Man, to churches, schools, public buildings and individual homes, as a gift, in the name of Peace