The new gentleman curate at my parish church (St John the Evangelist, Hills Road, Cambridge) spoke in his sermon last Sunday of the feeling that Christmas has ‘started’ when you’ve been to a carol concert. While Christmas started earlier for me (lots to do!)  I very much enjoyed the Festival of Lessons & Carols at St John’s on Sunday evening, which was packed out.

The main stained glass window showing the last supper is illuminated on these occasions: together with a vast array of candles, there was a very atmospheric scene for the musical celebration that followed. We were treated to a varied programme including traditional carols as well as more rarefied pieces of music, from courtly lyric to the twentieth century. I particularly appreciated hearing the zither carol, which took me back a bit to school carol concerts in the 1970s.

The choir boasts a wide age range – I believe the youngest chorister is just six years old. Thanks and compliments to the organist Edward Lilley, choir leaders, choristers, clergy, mince pie and mulled wine makers and all the others who assisted with the event.

Tongue in cheek, I share these insights on carol concerts from CartoonChurch.com with you, to help you all make the most of your Christmas carol services.

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