Join the Mayor of Sunderland Lynda Scanlan for this year’s Civic Christmas Carol Service at Sunderland Minster on Sunday December 9.

This year’s civic service in the Minster begins at 6pm with the Mayor and Consort, Mr Micky Horswill, joined in the congregation by the Lord Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear, Mrs Susan Winfield OBE, the Leader of Sunderland City Council, Cllr Graeme Miller, the Chief Executive, Patrick Melia, and the Mayor’s Chaplain, Pastor Ken Gott who will all be giving readings during the service.

Representatives from the Mayor’s Charities who are Hopespring, the NSPCC Childline Service (Sunderland) and the Sunderland and County Durham Royal Society for the Blind will also be in attendance. Members of the Hopespring Choir will also perform some carols alongside the Sunderland Minster Choir.

The Mayor of Sunderland, Cllr Scanlan said: “I hope everyone will come along to join us at Sunderland Minster for this year’s Civic Christmas Carol Service.

“This is the time of year where we gather with friends, family and the community to celebrate all that makes our lives and this city so special.

“It’s been quite a year for Sunderland with the opening of the Northern Spire, the visit of the Tall Ships Races, and the continuing regeneration of our city centre and restoration of some of our cultural heritage landmarks so there’s much to celebrate.”

The Mayor added: “Christmas is also a time to remember those less fortunate than ourselves so I hope people will be generous and donate to the Mayoral charities who do so much throughout the year to help the people in our community.”

After the service guests are welcome to join the Mayor for seasonal refreshments in the Minster. Please confirm your attendance with the Mayor’s Office no later than Friday November 30 via telephone 0191 561 1342 or by emailing at mayor@sunderland.gov.uk