Together at Christmas, a carol service hosted by The Duchess of Cambridge at Westminster Abbey, will be broadcast on ITV on Christmas Eve. It will be a moment for the nation to come together and look back upon the last year, to think not only of the unprecedented challenges that we have all faced as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, but also to remember the positives: people and organisations pulling together in their communities, the small acts of kindness across different demographics and generations, and the unsung heroes who stepped up and went above and beyond to help others.
Supported by The Royal Foundation, to recognise and celebrate the incredible work of individuals and organisations across the nation who have stepped up to support their communities through the pandemic, the service took place on Wednesday 8th December and was filmed for broadcast. It features carols performed by the world-renowned Westminster Abbey choir alongside readings and musical performances by a variety of guests, blending traditional elements with a modern and inclusive feel to encompass people of all faiths and none. It also incorporates poignant personal reflections, exploring how lockdown reminded us about the importance of human connection and what it means, as families, communities and as a nation, to be together and to feel united to help one another through times of hardship or uncertainty.
The event brought together inspirational individuals from across the UK who have gone above and beyond to care for and protect those in need during the pandemic. They were joined by those working in some of the key areas that Her Royal Highness and The Royal Foundation continue to focus on, including promoting the importance of mental health, supporting families and driving awareness of and action on the extraordinary impact of the early years.
Charities and patronages who have nominated guests to attend the service include: Action for Children, Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, Barnado’s, Best Beginnings, Better Start, British Red Cross, Coram, Centrepoint, Child Bereavement UK, Cruse Bereavement Care, Early Years Alliance, East Anglia Children’s Hospices, Family Action, Family Nurse Partnership, Forward Trust, The Foundling Museum, Future Men, HomeStart, Institute of Health Visiting, Little Village, Metropolitan & City Police Orphans Fund , National Literary Trust, NHS Charities Together, NSPCC, Parents 1st, The Passage, Place2Be, Reach Foundation, The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Royal Marsden, Royal Voluntary Service, Save the Children
The service is developed and delivered in partnership with Westminster Abbey and BBC Studios Events Productions, who have produced the carol service for broadcast by ITV as part of the special programme on Christmas Eve at 7.30pm.
