Christmas carol service in Uppingham on behalf of HRH The Princess of Wales

A carol service was held in Rutland at the request of HRH The Princess of Wales.

Based on the ‘Together at Christmas’ service held annually by the princess in Westminster Abbey, the event in Uppingham on Saturday (December 2) represented the East Midlands and East of England.

Taking place at the church of St Peter and St Paul, everyone was given a candle, an order of service, and a letter from HRH The Princess of Wales.

The concert was one of only 12 such services in the country.

His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland, Dr Sarah Furness, organised the event in Uppingham to celebrate the community and childhood.

“It was a great pleasure to welcome families and those who support children in some way,” Dr Furness explained.

“The youngest attendee was four months old and Shiraz, a black Labrador trainee guide dog puppy, also joined the occasion.

“We had teachers, social workers, representatives from the food bank, the community fridge and Rotaract Family Support, which supports those with special need and their whole families,” she added.

The event began with a musical candlelit service, followed by festive refreshments, a visit for the children from Father Christmas, and a pipe band.

“It was an immensely happy occasion and I was pleased to have been asked to organise it and very grateful to a band of wonderful helpers," said Dr Furness.

"The aim was to have a hugely enjoyable celebration of each other’s company and to anticipate the joys of the festive season."

After the service, everyone poured out of the church to enjoy mulled drinks, Christmas cake and mince pies.

Father Christmas handed out presents to all the children, while the pipe band added to the Christmas atmosphere.