A much-loved Christmas tradition will return to Bishop Auckland this December, as The Auckland Project hosts its annual carol service in St Peter’s Chapel.
Taking place on Sunday 21 December at 3.00pm, the free service will be led by Revd Dr Chris Knights, Chaplain to the Bishop of Durham, and will feature The Durham Singers and an organist for an hour of carols in the historic chapel at the heart of Auckland Palace.
Tickets for the event, which are free but limited, will be released at 10.00am on Friday 17 October.
The service is set within St Peter’s Chapel, originally built around 1190 – during the time of Bishop Hugh du Puiset – as a medieval hall and later converted into a chapel by Bishop John Cosin in 1665. Music will be played on the chapel’s renowned Father Smith Organ, crafted in 1688 by Bernard ‘Father’ Smith, organ maker to Charles II.
The event coincides with Christmas at Auckland Palace and AGLOW, The Auckland Project’s spectacular 1.5-mile winter light trail. Running from 21 November to 31 December (excluding Christmas Day), AGLOW transforms the Palace grounds with more than 24 large-scale light installations, alongside festive food and drink, Santa’s Village with live performances from his little helpers, and a towering 32-metre Christmas tree bedecked in almost a kilometre of lights.
Inside the Palace, the State Rooms including the private apartments, will be sumptuously dressed, decked with garlands, glittering trees and themed decorations blending history with festive charm, befitting the Prince Bishops of Durham. Plus, gain entry to the Faith Museum to see the spectacular 18th-century Neapolitan Nativity made up of more than 420 intricately carved figures.
Families can also enjoy Weardale Railway’s Santa Express. Running from 21 November to 24 December, the charming journey takes passengers through the wintry countryside, with storytelling elves, festive treats, and a special visit from Santa himself.
Cheryl Durkin, Head of Events and Programming at The Auckland Project, said: “The carol service in St Peter’s Chapel is always a special moment in our calendar, bringing people together to celebrate the season in such a beautiful and historic setting. This year, it forms part of a whole range of festive experiences at The Auckland Project – from AGLOW and Christmas at Auckland Palace to the Santa Express on the Weardale Railway. We’re really looking forward to welcoming families and visitors to enjoy the magic of Christmas here in Bishop Auckland.”
Tickets for AGLOW start from £13.50, while entry to Christmas at Auckland Palace is included with a Bishop’s Key or Christmas at Auckland Palace ticket. The Santa Express starts from £34.95.
Tickets for the carol service are free but must be booked in advance at https://aucklandproject.org/event/st-peters-christmas-carol-service/
PHOTO:DUNCAN LOMAX
