Faith

Over the last 30 years the St Michael le Belfrey Christmas carol service in York Minster has become something of a tradition for many in York.

Each year the nave fills up as around 2000 people join the choir for some traditional Christmas carols. The evening is all about the Christmas message, but aims to put that across in a different, and occasionally challenging way.

The Christmas story is one that many people know well but Riding Lights Theatre Company seek to tell this familiar story in a thought provoking way. Previous years have seen the shepherds portrayed as modern day farmers and Bethlehem as part of modern day, war torn Palestine.

This year's service is entitled 'Good News for Hard Times' as Roger Simpson, the vicar of St Michael Le Belfrey explains:

"With the credit crunch and the increased level of insecurity that many people are feeling it’s really good to think again about the coming of Jesus Christ into the world and to focus on what he can bring to people today."

The service will be broadcastt on Christmas Eve at 9pm and again on Christmas day at 11am. If you miss the service it will be available for seven days via the BBC iPlayer.

BBC Radio York has also recorded the York Against Cancer 21st Anniversary carol service for broadcast over the Christmas period.