This year, Dumfries and Galloway has been chosen to join 14 communities across the UK in hosting a ‘Together at Christmas’ Community Carol Service.
The event is supported by The Royal Foundation and is part of an initiative spearheaded by The Princess of Wales to recognise and thank the many people who act with love in their communities and contribute to a more cohesive and connected society.
This local event is inspired by The Princess of Wales’ annual Westminster Abbey service which will be televised on Christmas Eve on ITV1 and ITVX. Its aim is to bring people together to celebrate love – whether it’s within families, through friendship, across communities, or through moments of connection with strangers.
These local services span the breadth of the UK, from Armagh in Northern Ireland, to the Isle of Wight – with only three taking place in Scotland – Ayrshire, Lanarkshire, and here in Dumfries and Galloway. Like the Westminster Abbey service, each offers an inclusive celebration for people of all faiths and none.
Our service takes place at St John‘s Episcopal Church in Dumfries. It will bring together 260 invited guests and musicians to celebrate individuals and organisations whose acts of kindness strengthen communities across the region.
Those invited include volunteers from The Food Train, which delivers vital support to older people; D&G Blood Bikes whose volunteers transport urgent medical supplies; D&G Befriending which supports vulnerable young people aged 8-18. Mountain Rescue teams, cancer drop-in centres and an Alzheimer support group will also be represented, as well as people from different cultures and faiths.
In keeping with the theme of love, couples marking 60th, 65th and 70th wedding anniversaries and centenarians aged 100 and 101 will join the celebration. Schoolchildren will help to decorate the Christmas tree, reminding us that community spirit spans generations.
The Dumfries and Galloway Youth Choir and the South-West of Scotland Piping and Drumming Academy will showcase local talent. Young musicians and young Burnsians will share their love of Scottish heritage. This is all organised by award-winning Annan music teacher, Jamie Brand, MBE.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Dumfries, Fiona Armstrong, said:
“This region prides itself on its volunteering, so with the blessing of the Royal Foundation and the Princess of Wales, this is a wonderful way to celebrate those who go the extra mile and look after our communities.”The Lord-Lieutenant for The Stewartry of Kirkcudbright, Lord Matthew St Clair added:
“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.”Mrs Aileen Brewis, Lord-Lieutenant for Wigtownshire commented:
“The theme for The Princess of Wales’ Carol Service this year is ‘love’ and I see and hear about love wherever I go in our region. We have many incredible charities, voluntary organisations, groups and individuals who give their time freely to those most in need of love and support and this is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate this together.”Amanda Berry CBE, CEO, from The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, added:
“Our Royal Foundation Community Carol Services embody the true spirit of the festive season. This December marks the fourth year that The Royal Foundation has had the privilege of supporting these special community gatherings, shining a light on truly remarkable people right across the UK. From small towns to major cities, these wonderful and uplifting occasions bring people together to honour those who have made a lasting difference in their communities throughout the year.”
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