WINCHESTER residents can embrace the festive spirit at the cathedral this month.

A number of carol services are being held including the annual Lord Lieutenant’s Carol Concert on Friday, December 14, at 7pm, hosted by broadcaster and gardener Alan Titchmarsh.

Boy and girl choristers will sing Christmas music while there will also be light-hearted readings.

The following day (Saturday) the cathedral chamber choir sings carols conducted by George Castle, cathedral assistant director of music, at 1pm.

On Friday, December 21, the boy and girl choristers return, singing Britten’s Ceremony of Carols at 1pm.

Then on Christmas Eve, family services are held at 11am and 3pm with children invited to dress as angels, shepherds, and wise men, and gather at the crib, which will be blessed at a 5.30pm Eucharist. A midnight Eucharist follows at 11.30pm led by the Bishop of Winchester, the Rt Rev Tim Dakin.

The bishop will also preach at a 10am service on Christmas Day while cathedral Dean, the Very Rev James Atwell, holds a service at 11.15, and the day concludes with a choral evensong and a procession to the Christmas tree at 3.30pm.

Most services are free but for more details and tickets visit winchester-cathedral.org.uk.