Age UK Surrey's annual carol service at 11.00am will take place on Thursday 19th December at Guildford Cathedral. The popular free community event attracts local residents, older and disabled people, residents from care homes, and dignitaries and mayors from the boroughs of Surrey. The hour long service will include traditional readings, congregational carols accompanied by the Cathedral's organ scholar and led by the Guildford Cathedral Singers. Tormead Prep School choir will perform, and The Rock Choir will sing compilations of Christmas songs. This is a wonderful opportunity to bring people together from communities across Guildford and surrounding boroughs to celebrate the Christmas season in the beautiful setting of Guildford Cathedral,

What we'll deliver:

• A free, entertaining morning Carol Service for the community at Guildford Cathedral on 19th December 2024 at 11.00am
• Provide free refreshments before the service - tea, coffee and mincepies

Why it's a great idea:

By providing a free Carol Service at Guildford Cathedral we hope to attract a large number of attendees who would not be able to access another carol service. A morning event is attractive for older people and their carers as December afternoon's and evenings are darker, colder and busier. The Cathedral has disabled access with plenty of free parking and a large accessible space inside for wheelchair users. Care homes transporting residents by minibus can park at the front of the building to allow easy access. We have a team of volunteers who are available to help people into the building if they require assistance. For some older people, loneliness and isolation is difficult particularly in winter, and we know that meeting together with others and taking part in an enjoyable activity is so helpful for wellbeing. The service benefits people with dementia by engaging them with familiar carols and Christmas songs in a welcoming environment.

Steps to get it done:

• Donations to help cover the costs of the Carol service