Hereford Cathedral Choir will be singing in the presence of TRH The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester at the Royal Military Chapel (Guards’ Chapel) this Advent.

On Tuesday 2 December at 6.30pm, the choir and clergy of Hereford Cathedral will make their annual journey to the Guards’ Chapel for their Service for Advent in London, which this year will be attended by TRH The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.

The service opens with an Act of Remembrance of the members of the Special Air Service who have been killed in the course of their duties since the Second World War. The service  continues with a sequence of Bible readings and Advent carols which point towards the coming of Jesus at Christmas. Initially developed to celebrate the links that Hereford Cathedral has with local military groups, the service has now become a way for supporters of the cathedral, who work or live in London, to hear Hereford Cathedral Choir close to Christmas and to join in an act of Advent worship. 

The Service for Advent in London has been organised by the Hereford Cathedral Perpetual Trust since 2010 and also serves as a fundraiser for the trust, which supports the choir and educational outreach, as well as the long-term sustainability of Hereford Cathedral’s worship, ministry and mission. The service is open for all to attend but tickets are required.

Nat Hone DL, Chair of Trustees says: “We are delighted that TRH The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester are joining us as we mark the start of Advent together in London. Their support of cathedrals and cathedral music is renowned, and we have been appreciative of their visits to Hereford over the last few years. Our service at The Guards’ Chapel is a really special occasion which brings together old friends from London, Hereford and Shropshire and shares the glorious music of Hereford Cathedral Choir.”

The Reverend Dr Jonathan Roberts, Succentor at Hereford Cathedral says: “An advent carol service encourages us to explore the experience of waiting for Christmas and so includes music and readings that speak of expectation and longing. We acknowledge that we and our world are in need of light and go on a journey towards the hope that the birth of Jesus brings.
We would like to thank everyone involved in helping to organise the service, particularly Major General J M H Bowder OBE, the Major General commanding the Household Division, and The Reverend Alex Bennett CF, the Senior Chaplain London District and Chaplain to the Household Division.” 

The service takes place at the Guards’ Chapel, London, on Tuesday 2 December. Please be seated by 6.15pm for a 6.30pm start. Entry is by ticket only. The service is free to attend but ticketed, with a suggested donation of £35. For more information and to apply for tickets, please contact the Trust Office on 01432 374 260 or visit www.herefordcathedral.org/Event/advent-in-london-25

Photo Credits: A Service for Advent in London by Caroline Potter