Lancashire to host 'Together at Christmas' Community Carol Service supported by The Royal Foundation

The event, supported by The Royal Foundation, is part of a national initiative inspired by The Princess of Wales' 'Together at Christmas' service at Westminster Abbey, celebrating love, empathy and community spirit this festive season.

The local service is one of 15 regional events held across the UK, each inspired by The Princess of Wales' Westminster Abbey service, which will be televised on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Eve. The services will span the breadth of the UK, from Truro to Aberdeen and Omagh to Powys.

This local celebration will take place at Blackpool Tower Circus tomorrow (Friday 6th December) at 4:30 pm, bringing together 700 attendees, including carers, veterans, charities and CICs, to honour individuals and organisations who have shown love, kindness and empathy in their communities.

The event will feature the Choir of St George’s School, Blackpool; the Fijian Choir from 1st Battalion the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment; a song by the Preston Nepali Fellowship; music from Ripley St Thomas School, Lancaster; performances by Lytham St Annes Shanty Crew, Scream Academy and DanceSyndrome; readings by local community representatives, and stories of care and compassion from Fleetwood Pantry and CAPUK.

The service will combine traditional and modern elements, offering a meaningful and inclusive celebration for people of all faiths and none.

The Westminster Abbey service will honour individuals and organisations across the UK that have demonstrated love, kindness and empathy. These regional events reflect the same theme, showing the spirit of togetherness and hope that resonates throughout the holiday season.

Amanda Berry, CEO, The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, commented: "I am delighted that The Royal Foundation is supporting 75 fantastic community carol services, bringing the spirit of 'Together at Christmas' to every corner of the UK this festive season. These events create special moments that unite communities and recognise those who have shown exceptional compassion. Their selfless dedication to others has not gone unnoticed, and we are proud to honour them in this way."

Mrs Amanda Parker, Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire, said: "This event is a wonderful opportunity for Lancashire to come together and celebrate those who make a difference in our lives, and to reflect on the importance of love and kindness".

Event Details

• Date: Friday 6th December 2024

• Venue: Blackpool Tower Circus

• Invited guests include: Emergency responders, community volunteers, charity workers, school children, carers and health workers from across Lancashire.

• Service led by Rev’d Sam Cheesman Chaplain to the Bishop of Blackburn, with a talk by The Rt Rev’d Philip North, Bishop of Blackburn• Performers/Contributors: o Choir of St George’s School, Blackpoolo The Music Group of Ripley St Thomas Church of England Academy, Lancaster.o The Lytham St Annes Shanty Crewo DanceSyndromeo Scream Theatre Children’s Groupo The Fijian Choir of 1st Battalion the Duke of Lancaster’s Regimento Preston Nepali Fellowship

The Community Carol Services are proudly supported by The Co-operative Group - which is providing hot and cold drinks and festive treats - and Hobbycraft, which is kindly gifting craft sets to all children attending the Services, as well as Christmas decorations.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

The Royal Foundation

The Royal Foundation, the philanthropic vehicle of The Prince and Princess of Wales, develops and delivers programmes that are linked to Their Royal Highnesses' passion for tackling society's greatest challenges. It leads with the belief that change is always possible, and this positive approach sees it involved in issues that have previously seemed too big a challenge to many. The Royal Foundation partners with the best and the brightest, bringing together groups, organisations, and people around particular issues to create lasting change.

Hobbycraft

Hobbycraft is the UK's largest arts and crafts retailer, selling more than 25,000 arts and crafts products for hundreds of creative activities, from art, knit and stitch, papercraft, wedding, party, baking and much more. For more information visit www.hobbycraft.co.uk

Co-op Group

Co-op Group is one of the world's largest consumer co-operatives, with interests across food retail, funerals, insurance, and legal services. Co-op is owned by and run for its 5.5 million members. With over 2,300 food stores and more than 800 funeral homes, Co-op also supplies products to 6,000 other outlets, including those run by independent co-operatives, through its wholesale business, Nisa Retail Limited.

Employing 55,000 people, Co-op has an annual turnover of over £11 billion and is a recognised leader in social goals and community-led programmes. Co-op exists to meet members' needs and champion the causes they believe in.

For further information, please contact:

Sue Wilding, Democratic Services Officer, Lancashire County CouncilSue.Wilding@lancashire.gov.uk