Dumfries and Galloway was proud to be one of only 14 communities across the UK to host a ‘Together at Christmas’ Community Carol Service, supported by The Royal Foundation. The event, held on Saturday 6 December at St John’s Episcopal Church in Dumfries, brought together 260 guests, musicians and volunteers for a magical afternoon celebrating the theme of ‘love’ and the extraordinary spirit of community across the region.
The service, inspired by The Princess of Wales’ annual Westminster Abbey event, was a joyful occasion filled with music from the Dumfries and Galloway Youth Choir, the South-West of Scotland Piping and Drumming Academy and young Burnsians. Guests included volunteers from local charities and organisations, couples celebrating milestone 60th, 65th and 70th wedding anniversaries, and remarkable centenarians aged 100 and 101.
In a wonderful gesture of community giving, the Christmas tree – beautifully decorated by local school children for the service – and its ornaments will be donated to a local charity, spreading festive cheer beyond the event itself. In addition, 100 activity boxes will be distributed to young people across Dumfries and Galloway, ensuring the spirit of Christmas reaches even more families.
Mrs Aileen Brewis, Lord-Lieutenant of Wigtownshire, added:
“It was wonderful to join so many amazing people at the Princess of Wales carol service. The theme this year was ‘love’ and I see and hear about love in all its forms wherever I go in our region. We have some really tremendous charities, voluntary organisations, groups and individuals who spend an enormous amount of their precious time helping others and Christmas is a time to remember and recognise all those volunteers.”The Lord-Lieutenant of Dumfries, Fiona Armstrong, said:
“The service was magical and a tribute to all the volunteers and charity groups who make our region a better place. What a talent we have, with our young musicians and our Dumfries and Galloway Youth Choir! I am sure HRH the Princess of Wales would be delighted to see our communities come together in this way.”Lord Matthew St Clair, Lord-Lieutenant for The Stewartry of Kirkcudbright, commented:
“It is a profound honour for Dumfries and Galloway that the Royal Foundation has chosen our region to host one of this year’s ‘Together at Christmas’ Community Carol Services. This recognition speaks volumes about the strength of our communities and the spirit of service that runs through them.”
The event was supported by local partners, including The Usual Place, which provided heart-shaped shortbread for guests and Police Cadets who assisted with stewarding. St John’s Church played a key role in decorating and hosting the service.
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