Isle of Wight hosts ‘Together at Christmas’ Community Carol Service

This year, The Isle of Wight will join communities across the UK in hosting a ‘Together at Christmas’ Community Carol Service on Friday 12 December.

The Isle of Wight service will be held at The Minster Church of St Thomas, St Thomas’s Square, Newport from 6pm, with the congregation to be seated by 5.45pm.

The event, supported by The Royal Foundation, is part of an annual initiative spearheaded by The Princess of Wales to recognise and thank the many people around the country who act with love in their communities, contributing to a more cohesive and connected society. The local service is inspired by The Princess of Wales’s Westminster Abbey Service, which will be televised on Christmas Eve on ITV1 and ITVX.

This year, the services will bring people together to celebrate love in all its forms – whether it’s love within families, through friendship, across communities, or even through powerful moments of connection with strangers. The Community Carol Services span the breadth of the UK, from Armagh in Northern Ireland to Lanarkshire and the Isle of Wight. Like the Westminster Abbey Service, each will combine traditional and modern elements to offer a meaningful and inclusive celebration for people of all faiths and none. As we approach the festive season, we are reminded of the power of togetherness, and the services will highlight the transformative power of investing in one another with compassion, presence and joy.

The Service taking place at the Minster Church in Newport will bring together 400 attendees including the emergency responders, charities and Youth Groups to honour those individuals and organisations who have created and shown love to foster compassion and togetherness in the community. The Service will be broadcast live on Vectis Radio and will also be live streamed with a screen in St Thomas’s Square.

The Medina Marching Band will introduce the spirit of Christmas playing outside the church and the singing during the service will be led by the Mountbatten Hospice Choir.

The Service will also expand the theme of ‘Love‘ to include the ‘Love of Reading’ and to celebrate the work of ‘School Readers’ on the Island over the last couple of years. Attendees are invited to bring a children’s book to place under the Christmas Tree for distribution to Island children, youth groups and schools.

Amanda Berry CBE, CEO, The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, commented: “Our Royal Foundation Community Carol Services embody the true spirit of the festive season. This December marks the fourth year that The Royal Foundation has had the privilege of supporting these special community gatherings, shining a light on truly remarkable people right across the UK. From small towns to major cities, these wonderful and uplifting occasions bring people together to honour those who have made a lasting difference in their communities throughout the year.”

Susie Sheldon, HM Lord-Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight said: “I’m delighted that the Isle of Wight is hosting one of the Community Carol Services this year. This event is a wonderful opportunity for us to come together as a community, to celebrate those who are truly making a difference. The Service will be all about participation and we look forward to welcoming those of all ages and from all sections of our Island community.’’

Date: Friday December 12th at 6pm (Congregation in their seats by 5.45pm)

Venue: The Minster Church of St Thomas, St Thomas’s Square, Newport PO30 1SL

For further information, please contact: Christie.Taylor@iow.gov.uk