South West Carols

Bishop Karen has issued an official video invitation, saying:

"I'm inviting you to tune in to South West Carols in December. Join us on the 5th and the 6th, and tune in live at www.southwestcarols.com."

Co-ordinator Jason Ham says:

"We may not be able to gather together for the traditional Christmas carol concerts and school nativity plays this year, but schools and churches from across the South West have joined together to create a unique online Christmas extravaganza instead.

"The event could be the biggest-ever festive Carols and Nativity event that has ever taken place in the region, with lockdown encouraging churches to think creativity and imaginatively how they can still engage with people of all ages across the South West at this time."

The first-ever online South West Carols event will take place on 5th & 6th December, 7.00pm each night, and will see thousands of people across the region tuning in to the live online event from the comfort of their own homes.

London Community Gospel Choir and Wildwood Kin

Billed as a ‘celebration of all the good things that take place at this time of the year’, the event will include musical performances from Exeter Cathedral Choir and London Community Gospel Choir, alongside award-winning folk trio Wildwood Kin and worship leader Lucy Grimble. Local singer songwriter Joe Hardy has also collaborated with 25 South West Worship Leaders to create a special recording of a traditional Christmas carol.

With the pandemic preventing traditional school nativities taking place, South West Carols will also see over 20 primary schools across the region taking part in the region’s biggest ever nativity play.

Jason says:

"Expect lots of cuteness as children from across the South West get their costumes ready to tell the greatest story of them all!

"The event has come about through South West Churches and Christian organisations working collaboratively to think outside the box in using online methods to still reach people, whilst even at this time there are still many restrictions on holding services and in-person events.

"In a year that has been so difficult and causing isolation, it’s hoped South West Carols will be able to bring festive cheer and lots of smiles into people’s homes."

One of the organisers, Pastor Mark Pugh, said:

“This time of year is filled with nostalgia. There is something so comforting about many of the festive traditions we've become accustomed to and carols and school nativities usually play their part in bringing much warmth and joy to many. We know Christmas will be different this year but it isn't cancelled and we are delighted to be working with many churches and schools to bring joy to thousands of people in homes across the South West.”

South West Carols will take place on Saturday 5th December & Sunday 6th December, from 7-8pm each night. It will be broadcast live on the southwestcarols.com website, as well as on Facebook and YouTube, with live presenters and audience interaction throughout.

Jason adds:

"As well as traditional carols, creative musical items and a nativity produced by children across the region, it will also feature interviews, stories and fun moments to make you laugh out loud. So, grab a cup of hot cocoa, dig out that box of chocolates, get toasty by the fire and invite all your friends to the first ever South West Carols!"