READING Minster is set to welcome residents for a festive service later this week.
Reading Borough Council is inviting residents to take part in an evening of readings and performance at the annual Civic Carol Concert, which takes place on Thursday.
The event will see a spoken retelling of the Nativity story, along with performances by attendees of carols such as Ding Dong! Merrily on High, Away in a Manger, and O Come All Ye Faithful.
The Minster choir will also perform and will be joined by Ukrainian choir Kryla, who will perform Carol of the Bells in its original Ukrainian.
Peace candles will be lit for the congregation and to represent the seven continents.
The mayor of Reading, Cllr Tony Page, will be joined by Reading Pride’s Tom Price, Matt Whitelock of Pride of Reading, and a representative of Reading Refugee Support Group in giving traditional readings.
Rev. Sonya Wratten will welcome the congregation to the service, followed by festive refreshments provided by The Purple Turtle after the event.
Mayor of Reading Cllr Tony Page, said: “The Civic Carol Service is a much-loved Christmas tradition in Reading.
“I’m looking forward to seeing as many people as possible at the Minster on 14 December. Please join in the festive cheer and enjoy some delicious, mulled wine and a mince pie after the service.”
The Annual Civic Carol Service takes place at Reading Minster of St Mary the Virgin from 6.30pm on Thursday, December 14.
