Mission by members of St Michael & All Angels Church to take place on December 16

A church in Stonebridge could have extra reason for festive cheer this Christmas by having a world record to their name. Members of St Michael & All Angels Church will attempt to help set the record for most number of carol singers singing at any one time during their upcoming carol service.

Five selected carols, Silent Night, O Come All Ye Faithful, O Little Town of Bethlehem, Away in a Manger, and Hark! The Herald Angels Sing will be sung as organisers attempt to get more than 18,000 carol singers singing in unison.

“We’d like to invite everyone from our local community to join us in the carol singing record attempt.” said Revd Ron Herbert, the Vicar, at the church in Hillside.

He added: “It will undoubtedly be a lot of fun to be part of a national challenge while enjoying festive carols in our local church.”

The church’s steel band, who performed at the Notting Hill Carnival, will also be joining in the attempt.

The challenge, which is taking place at churches across the country, will need to get 18,115 singers all flexing their vocal chords in unison if they are to break the record.

Premier Christian Radio (PCR), which is coordinating the national attempt, will also play the five carols on the radio, enabling churches to use the broadcast as their backing music and assisting the nationwide unison.

“Last year’s record-breaking attempt brought many people into churches who were not regular visitors” said Peter Kerridge, CEO of PCR.

He added: “We received many positive reports from churches telling us they were full to overflowing and what an enjoyable evening it had been for all concerned.”

The church will attempt to break the record during their carol service on Sunday, December 16, it starts at 7pm.