Whether your favourite is Hark! The Herald Angels sing like myself or you prefer something like Silent Night or In The Bleak Midwinter, O Come All Ye Faithful, Once in Royal David’s City, Away in a Manger or O Little Town of Bethlehem, there is something magical about coming together to sing these well-known songs with other people.
Many have fascinating histories, something historian Lucy Worsley has explored in a documentary ‘Christmas Carol Odyssey’ currently available on BBC Iplayer if you get a chance to watch over the holidays.
Many will have first experienced carols at primary school, whether at special assemblies or at church.
For some the songs will have a special meaning due to their Christian faith. For others they may simply enjoy the music, themes, or togetherness of singing.
Here are some photos of Horsham Churches Together’s carol service in the Forum ten years ago in December 2012.
1. Horsham Churches Together carol service
A member of the Salvation Army playing with the brass band Photo: cobb
2. Horsham Churches Together carol service
A cold and damp Forum Photo: cobb
3. Horsham Churches Together carol service
A member of the band with festive headgear Photo: cobb
4. Horsham Churches Together carol service
Horsham Churches Together, carol service, The Forum, Horsham. Jon Mansell and Steve Fishpool -photo by Steve Cobb Photo: cobb