Students, staff, and the public gathered for a “magical” carol service.
The University of Gloucestershire holds an annual service at their Francis Close Hall campus chapel, Carols by Candlelight. The service has been running for many years. This year it was organised by Reverend Canon Simon Witcombe, “It’s really nice to have our original service back after having to do it virtually during the Coronavirus Pandemic.”
This year, fairy lights were draped from wall to wall, candles were given out and guests were tempted with free mulled wine and mince pies. Reverend Simon lead the service with a welcome and opening prayer that explored the meaning of Christmas. Soon after, all the candles were lit, illuminating the inside of the chapel, and the carols began: O little town of Bethlehem, In the Bleak Mid-winter, Silent Night, and O Come All Ye Faithful.
In between carols, the university choir, Everybody Sing, serenaded its audience with a performance of ‘Wherever We Go’. The group meet every Wednesday lunchtime at the chapel, not as an official university choir, but just as a group who share a love for singing.
The African Students Choir joined in the festivities, singing Karismesi. Their performance was delivered with enthusiasm, dancing and instrumental. One of the children that performed said the atmosphere felt like “home, away from home.” The organiser of the choir, Suki said that the participants of the choir enjoyed the opportunity to sing, dance and wear cultural attire.
Reverend Simon said, “It’s really important for people to feel welcome, we want these events to be open to everybody of all backgrounds. You don’t have to be religious to join in.”
The evening is a chance for the community to get together, not just students and staff but also members of the public. Children and parents of staff attended, and so did the Vice Chancellor, Clare Marchant.
As the Senior Chaplain, Reverend Simon said that after weeks of preparation, rehearsals and multiple emails to get people involved, “It was great to see so many in attendance; this is one of the only university events that is open to everybody. We even saw local businesses supporting us, The Coconut Tree, had our advertisement up in their restaurant. On the night, I think we had roughly 200 guests in total.”
Attendee, Suzie Goodman, said “The evening was really uplifting and different, I’ve never been to an event like that before. The candle aspect made it really special.”
After such positive feedback and a great turnout, it has been confirmed that students and the wider community can “definitely” expect the candlelit carols to return next year.
