A new service called More Than A Christmas Carol – Carols For The City will take place at Chester Cathedral on Sunday, December 20 at 3.30pm.

A fabulous festival of readings, featuring extracts from Dickens and traditional music and well-known Christmas carols, the service will also give pause for thought as MP for Eddisbury, Antoinette Sandbach, asks us to consider the largest humanitarian crises and refugee crisis since the Second World War, the war in Syria.

The interlude entitled Singing For Syrians is an initiative by Christian Aid and the Hands Up Foundation to raise funds over the festive period for some of Syria’s most vulnerable people in their desperate time of need.

Antoinette Sandbach said: “I’m delighted that the Cathedral is supporting the Singing For Syrians initiative. All funds raised will go to Christian Aid and the Hands Up Foundation with every pound matched by DfID.

Eddisbury MP Antoinette Sandbach

“I would really encourage the public to attend the service on Sunday at 3.30pm to support this worthwhile cause.”

Canon Jeremy Dussek, Canon Precentor, will lead this community carol service attended by representatives from churches from all denominations across Chester.

Canon Dussek said: “Christmas is the time to remember that we are to care for the poorest and weakest in society. We invite all people in Chester and beyond to come to this special carol service, to bring love and response to those who may be far away but urgently need our help at this time.

“Please join us on Sunday for a celebration but also to bring the message and meaning of Christmas to Syria.”