Some 2000 people packed into the Centaur at Cheltenham Racecourse for Trinity Cheltenham’s Carol Service last night. Attended by the mayor and his wife, and many other guests from around the county, the event included a wide selection of traditional and modern carols and readings, with a real sense of celebration and Christmas joy.

The Christmas readings were presented in a unique and creative way, combining a set of specially commissioned short films based around the reflections of Mary, mother of Jesus, many years after the events of the first Christmas, intertwined with the traditional bible texts. This was written and directed by a local actor and member of Trinity Cheltenham, Tim Goodwright.

The carols were led by Trinity Cheltenham’s worship team, and included a saxophone band formed especially for the evening, and some of Trinity’s many drummers. Worship Pastor, Neil Bennetts, who directed the event, and also lead the band commented: “It is truly incredible to work on an event like this – not only does the event provide a real focal point for our Christmas celebrations as a church, but it also has captured the imagination and attention of so many people in Cheltenham and the surrounding area.”

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The talk was given by Lead Pastor, Mark Bailey, and the evening came to a climax with a number of songs involving the band, saxophones and dancers, including a rendition of the new song ‘The King Has come’ and the more familiar Christmas carol ‘Joy to the World’.

“Trinity has so many creative and enthusiastic people, many of whom give so much time and effort to an event like this. Around 150 people – from musicians, technicians, production crew, stewards and dancers – all give of themselves to make this event the enjoyable and faith-filled occasion that it is. It is an honour to be part of it, and so exciting to see so many people encounter God in a way that maybe they haven’t before” Neil concludes.