Carols by Candlelight 2016: '˜Great joy' of carols at Preston Minster

The herald angels sang and the Minster was decked with boughs of holly at the Evening Post's carol service.
By The Newsroom
Published 14th Dec 2016, 07:32 BST
Updated 15th Dec 2016, 11:22 BST
The Lancashire Evening Post carol service at Preston MinsterThe Lancashire Evening Post carol service at Preston Minster
The Lancashire Evening Post carol service at Preston Minster

Carols by Candlelight saw Preston Minster packed out with LEP readers eager to get the Christmas season off to a truly festive start.

The service was lead by the Vicar of Preston, Father Timothy Lipscombe, who described the evening as a “great joy”.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The congregation were treated to musical performances by the Preston-based Company of Voyces, who sang a selection of carols, including the beautiful 15th-Century carol Adam lay Ybounden, as well as festive favourite Jesus Christ the Apple Tree.

The Lancashire Evening Post carol service at Preston MinsterThe Lancashire Evening Post carol service at Preston Minster
The Lancashire Evening Post carol service at Preston Minster

The children of Eldon Street School (inset) were in fine voice with their rendition of O Holy Night and Mary’s Boychild, and the congregation was also treated to a performance by local choral star Louisa Stirland.

Louisa, a former BBC young chorister of the year, is now studying at the Royal Academy of Music but was back home in Preston for the Christmas holidays.

Nicola Adam, Evening Post deputy editor, said: “The Carols by Candlelight service is always a signpost that the festive season is truly upon us.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It was fantastic evening in the atmospheric Preston Minster and full of the joys of Christmas.

The Lancashire Evening Post carol service at Preston Minster Fr Timothy LipscombThe Lancashire Evening Post carol service at Preston Minster Fr Timothy Lipscomb
The Lancashire Evening Post carol service at Preston Minster Fr Timothy Lipscomb

“Many thanks to Father Tim for organising the event and to all those talented individuals who contributed through music and songs to make it a truly memorable evening.

“Happy Christmas!”

The service ended with coffee and mince pies, kindly supplied by Tesco Express.

A collection was taken for Citizens UK, a charity which, amongst other things, works with child refugees from Syria.

Related topics:Preston