Leeds gets singing for the YEP's Christmas Carol Service at Leeds Minster

A magical Christmas atmosphere came to Leeds Minster last night as visitors were in full voice for the Yorkshire Evening Post's traditional annual carol concert got under way.
The Yorkshire Evening Post Christmas Carol service.The Yorkshire Evening Post Christmas Carol service.
The Yorkshire Evening Post Christmas Carol service.

Canon Sam Corley conducted the service while the church choir and YEP brass band provided festive tunes for ticket-holders.

People attending the service were invited to take along a small toy or gift, which will be distributed to sick and under-privileged children in Leeds.

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More than 650 tickets were booked for the event, which was free, but attendees were asked for a contribution.

Leeds West MP Rachel Reeves giving a reading at the YEP Christmas Carol service.Leeds West MP Rachel Reeves giving a reading at the YEP Christmas Carol service.
Leeds West MP Rachel Reeves giving a reading at the YEP Christmas Carol service.

The proceeds will go to Leeds Minster and the Yorkshire Evening Post’s Half and Half Appeal, which is moving ever-closer to raising a £3m target for Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice and St Gemma’s Hospice.

Reverend Corley said: “People in Leeds are very generous and this service gives them the chance to give as well as receive.

“The service went really well and it was a great way to start the Christmas season.”

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The Yorkshire Evening Post brass band at the Christmas carol service.The Yorkshire Evening Post brass band at the Christmas carol service.
The Yorkshire Evening Post brass band at the Christmas carol service.
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During the service, the church was plunged into darkness before the huge Christmas tree, donated from Harewood Estate, was lit up to cheers from the guests.

Then guests were invited to place their donated gift under the tree.

He said: “Being a city of Leeds squad, we thought it would be nice to give back to the people of Leeds. It was wonderful way to give back this Christmas.”

Luke Dickinson, 14, Tingley, is a member of the squadron. The Woodkirk Academy student said: “We all feel very privileged to give to people less fortunate than us,

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“There were loads of presents under the tree for them. I’ve made my Christmas list, but I doubt I’ll get as many.”

The carols included O Come, All Ye Faithful, Little Town of Bethlehem and We Three Kings.

ITV Yorkshire news anchor Duncan Wood read 'Light of The World' by Geoffrey Rust.

MP for Leeds West Rachel Reeves, YEP editor Hannah Thaxter and head of content Laura Collins gave the gospel readings.