The Carol Service, in a packed St Albans Cathedral, was a splendid way to round off a very busy Christmas term. The service began in an atmosphere of expectation as the lights were dimmed while the choir sang an unaccompanied medieval plainsong introit from the back of the cathedral before the lone soprano voice of Imogen Wilson (Year 13) started the traditional first carol, Once in Royal David’s City. This was followed by a brilliant brass fanfare coinciding with the switching on of the lights and the full blast of the organ as the congregation joined in with full voice.

The service followed the traditional mix of readings, congregational carols and choir pieces which included a modern setting by Bob Chilcott of In the bleak mid-winter and John Joubert’s spirited Torches, amongst a wide variety of choral items, ensuring that the service was filled with joy and life as we listened to readings of hope that God understands our world and the situations that we face in it.