St Paul’s Cathedral in London has unveiled a star-studded line up and a host of special services and events in the run-up to Christmas.

Throughout the festive period, the Cathedral is working with charities to celebrate volunteers and charitable organisations across London and the UK. These include cancer charity Maggie’s, diabetes charity JDRF, the Prince’s Trust and the Royal Osteoporosis Society. Concerts supporting the organisations will feature special guests including Dame Joanna Lumley as well as festive readings from Nick Knowles, Susan Hampshire, Diana Moran and Dr Amir Khan. Acclaimed cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason will be giving a solo performance, as well as other renowned musicians.

The world-famous St Paul’s choir will be performing to audiences throughout Christmas, re-telling the life of Christ through Handel’s Messiah, whilst the Cathedral choristers will be singing Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony of Carols, written on his sea voyage from the US to England in 1942.

The special services will also bring together communities from across London, with the annual Swedish Christmas service, the Sankta Lucia Carol Concert, involving a candlelit procession from members of the Swedish Church in London with music from the choirs of both churches.

As Christmas edges closer, the Cathedral will host its ‘Joy to the World!’ service, involving the Blessing of the Crib and the Lighting of the Christmas Trees, given to the Cathedral by the royal family.

On Christmas Day, St Paul’s will be holding two services, both of which will be free and un-ticketed. In the morning, there will be the Choral Eucharist, the principal service of Christmas Day with carols for the Choir and congregation, whilst in the afternoon the Festal Evensong will take place, sung by the St Paul’s Cathedral Choir.

The Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral, Very Rev Andrew Tremlett, said:

“As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, St Paul’s will be welcoming all those across London, the UK and the world to join us in prayer and song. Our upcoming services and events will bring together people from different communities, areas and backgrounds, unified by our profound love of God.

“We hope our jubilant services will fill people’s hearts with the spirit of Christmas, inspiring generosity and kindness and reminding us all of the love shown by Jesus, and the importance of passing this love onto others.

“I would like to thank all those who are taking part and have arranged for these special services to take place, which I hope will bring joy to all those attending.”

More details can be found on the Cathdral website at  Advent and Christmas | St Paul's Cathedral (stpauls.co.uk)