Hundreds of people got into the Christmas spirit with a joint Staffordshire Police and Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service Family Festival of Carols at Lichfield Cathedral last night.
The two services came together for the first time to present the Christmas-time treat. The carols were sung by the Lichfield Cathedral Chamber Choir and the Dean the Very Reverend Adrian Dorber presided over the service and refreshments were served afterwards. Attendees were also treated to a preview of this year’s ‘A Cathedral Illuminated’, a display of spectacular visuals projected across the iconic building. This year’s theme is Star of Wonder, Star of Light and takes viewers on a Christmas journey around the whole Cathedral Close, leading to the West Front where the Nativity story is told via an array of images and sounds. The event proper starts tonight (Monday, December 17).
The event was organised by the Dean with help from members of the fire and police services.
Matthew Ellis, Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire and Rescue, and Crime said: “The service was a tremendous event culminating in the most amazing illuminations. I was delighted to see hundreds of members of the public attending, alongside so many police and fire staff at the Family Festival of Carols.”
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service Chief Fire Officer, Becci Bryant, said: “The Family Festival of Carols was once again a joyous event for everyone who attended and really is the start of the Christmas season for the fire and rescue service. It was a magical evening and was attended, and thoroughly enjoyed, by more than 600 people of all ages who travelled the length and breadth of the county to take part.”
Chief Constable Gareth Morgan from Staffordshire Police said: “The service was a spectacular start to festivities this Christmas and my family and I enjoyed a wonderful evening. It was very heart-warming to see the number of police staff attending and hopefully this collaborative approach to such a festive event will continue in future years.”
