University of Reading joins the Council’s annual Christmas Carol celebration
- Council teams up with the University of Reading for this year’s festive event at Reading Minster
- Carols, readings from local dignitaries and university guests, plus performances by the University Choir
- Free entry on Thu 18 Dec, doors open 6:15 pm, BSL interpreted, with refreshments after the service
THE COUNCIL’S much loved annual evening of carols and readings bringing together the community will, for the first time, be hosted in partnership with the University of Reading.
Reading’s historic Minster Church of St Mary the Virgin will again play host to the festivities, and residents are invited to come equipped with their singing voices as the town begins the final countdown to Christmas.
Deputy Mayor of Reading, Cllr Paul Gittings, will welcome Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire, Mr Andrew Try, who will share traditional and contemporary readings during the evening, alongside special guests from the University of Reading, Professor Peter Miskell, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education and Student Experience), Tiam Koravand, President of Reading Student Union, and Stephen Ansa-Addo, United Reformed Chaplain.
The service on Thursday 18 December is completely free and is always the highlight of Reading’s festive calendar. This year’s event will once again be BSL interpreted, ensuring that everyone can enjoy it.
Carols on the hymn sheet include ‘Once in Royal David’s City', and ‘Ding Dong! Merrily on High’ The University of Reading Choir, accompanied by Matthew Rickard, and organist Ian Hillier, will perform their arrangements of ‘Let it Snow’ and ‘The First Noel’.
The Right Reverend Mary Gregory, Bishop of Reading, will welcome the congregation to the Minster, with doors opening from 6:15pm, and members are invited to enjoy festive refreshments after the service, kindly provided by neighbours at Blue Collar Corner.
Deputy Mayor of Reading, Cllr Paul Gittings, said:
“Our carol service at the Minster is a truly special occasion, which has always felt to me to be the official start of Christmas in Reading.
“This year the celebrations are extra special as we partner with the University of Reading, sharing songs and teachings in beautiful surroundings of Reading’s Minster with the community. I’m thoroughly looking forward to seeing as many people as possible on the night.”
Professor Peter Miskell, University of Reading Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education and Student Experience, said:
"We're delighted to be hosting this carol service in partnership with Reading Borough Council. It's a wonderful opportunity to bring our community together and celebrate the festive season in the beautiful surroundings of Reading Minster. We look forward to welcoming everyone for an evening of carols, readings and celebration."
ENDS