Isle of Wight To Host ‘Together At Christmas’ Community Carol Service

The Isle of Wight will join communities across the UK in celebrating the festive season with a ‘Together at Christmas’ Community Carol Service tonight (Friday 12 December) at the Minster Church of St Thomas in Newport, starting at 6pm (guests seated by 5.45pm).

Part of an annual initiative supported by The Royal Foundation and spearheaded by The Princess of Wales, the service honours people who act with love and kindness in their communities.

The Island’s event is inspired by the Westminster Abbey service, which will be televised on Christmas Eve on ITV1 and ITVX.

The Newport service will bring together 400 attendees, including emergency responders, charities, youth groups, and volunteers who have made a difference in their communities.

Music will be led by the Mountbatten Hospice Choir, with festive fanfares from the Medina Marching Band outside the church.

In keeping with the theme of ‘Love’, attendees are invited to bring children’s books to place under the Christmas tree, which will be distributed to local children, youth groups, and schools — celebrating the Island’s ‘School Readers’ initiative.

Susie Sheldon, HM Lord-Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight, said:

"This is a wonderful opportunity for us to come together as a community and celebrate those who are truly making a difference."

The service will be broadcast live on Vectis Radio and streamed on a screen in St Thomas’s Square, allowing the wider community to join in.

For more information, email Christie.Taylor@iow.gov.uk.