Cold Night Warm Welcome

19 December 2009

Cathedral volunteers together with BBC Radio Bristol presenters welcomed close to 1,000 people to the Cathedral last night (18 December) for a wonderful Christmas celebration.  The special event was recorded for a seasonal broadcast next week.

The BBC Radio Bristol Christmas Celebration is an annual free event attracting listeners of the popular station.

It was presented by Alex Lovell and featured a rich variety of local musical talent including the fantastic Renewal Gospel Choir, conducted by Kim Samuels, and Bristol Musical Youth Production.

Cathedral Dean Canon Alan Finley welcomed people from all over the West Country with an opening prayer.  It was followed by a rousing version of ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’.  The Cathedral Choir led by Richard Jeffrey Gray was backed by the packed congregation for the traditional carol.  

BBC Radio presenters played their part in the celebration with a selection of readings and poetry telling the story of Christmas through the ages.  

Other great music came from brilliant Bristol singer Geraldine Latty, St Patrick’s Choral, and the Hallelujah Chorus.

Bishop Declan concluded the celebration with a Christmas reflection and prayer before the Cathedral Choir, joined by the congregation, sung ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing’.

The Christmas Celebration will be broadcast on BBC Radio Bristol on Christmas Eve at 4.00 pm and Christmas Day at 12.00 pm.