Invitation to This Year’s Civic Carol Service

Mince pies, mulled wine and no shortage of festive cheer will be on offer at Reading Minster on Thursday (12 December) as it opens its doors to the public for this year’s Civic Carol Service.

Residents are invited to come equipped with their singing voices to join in an evening of Christmas carols and the retelling of the story of the Nativity, in what is always a magical occasion at Reading Minster of St Mary the Virgin. Church doors open from 6:15pm, for a 6:30pm start.

The Civic Service is completely free and always the highlight of the town’s festive season.

Carols listed on the hymn sheet for this year include  ‘Ding Dong! Merrily on High', ‘Away in a Manger’ and ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’, alongside performances from the Minster Choir.

There will also be traditional readings throughout from The Mayor of Reading, Cllr Glenn Dennis, Tomson Chauke of Refugee Support Group, Reading Chinese School and Michael McGarry of Ebb and Flow. 

Rev. Sonya Wratten will welcome the congregation to the Minster and invite members to enjoy festive refreshments after the service, kindly provided by The Rising Sun. 

Katesgrove Primary School will also be joining in the celebrations and performing their original song, 'A Song for Hope' which has been created as part of their project with the Royal Comfort Primary School in Zimbabwe. 

Mayor of Reading, Cllr Glenn Dennis, said:

“I’d like to invite residents to the Minster on Thursday for what is always guaranteed to be a magical night, which always seem to me to be the official start of Christmas in Reading.

“It’s an opportunity to join in with some traditional Christmas carols which will lift the spirits ahead of the festive season and enjoy some mince pies and mulled wine at the conclusion, all in the breathtaking surroundings of Reading’s magnificent Minster. I’m looking forward to seeing as many people as possible on the night.”