Geoff Robinson Photography

King's carol service 100 years

PIC BY GEOFF ROBINSON PHOTOGRAPHY 07976 880732.

Picture shows Choristers from King's College Cambridge on Saturday afternoon (Dec 8) getting ready and relaxing in the Chapel before the final rehearsal before the recording of the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols which is broadcast on BBC on Christmas Eve.

Choristers in Cambridge have been rehearsing for the world's most famous carol service - which celebrates its 100th ANNIVERSARY this year.

The 16 boys have spent weeks practising at King's College Chapel for the hugely popular A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, which was first held in 1918 and has been televised by the BBC for more than 60 years.

The idea originated in Truro, Cornwall, where a service consisting of nine carols alternating with nine lessons had been held since 1880 with the intention of keeping the men out of the pubs on Christmas Eve.

It was later introduced to King's by the college's new Dean, Eric Milner-White, who wanted to make worship more imaginative.

Since 1928 the service has also been broadcast live on the radio by the BBC every year, except 1930. It has also been televised by the BBC every year since 1954 and is also performed live every year on Christmas Eve.

SEE COPY CATCHLINE King's carol service 100 years

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PIC BY GEOFF ROBINSON PHOTOGRAPHY 07976 880732.<br />
<br />
Picture shows Choristers from King's College Cambridge on Saturday afternoon (Dec 8) getting ready and relaxing in the Chapel before the final rehearsal before the recording of the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols which is broadcast on BBC on Christmas Eve.<br />
<br />
Choristers in Cambridge have been rehearsing for the world's most famous carol service - which celebrates its 100th ANNIVERSARY this year.<br />
<br />
The 16 boys have spent weeks practising at King's College Chapel for the hugely popular A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, which was first held in 1918 and has been televised by the BBC for more than 60 years.<br />
<br />
The idea originated in Truro, Cornwall, where a service consisting of nine carols alternating with nine lessons had been held since 1880 with the intention of keeping the men out of the pubs on Christmas Eve.<br />
<br />
It was later introduced to King's by the college's new Dean, Eric Milner-White, who wanted to make worship more imaginative.<br />
<br />
Since 1928 the service has also been broadcast live on the radio by the BBC every year, except 1930. It has also been televised by the BBC every year since 1954 and is also performed live every year on Christmas Eve.<br />
<br />
SEE COPY CATCHLINE King's carol service 100 years