Carol singers smash world record

Reporter: Karen Doherty
Date online: 20 December 2011

RECORD-BREAKING parishioners hit the right notes at Greenacres Congregational Church.

They were among the thousands of people across the country who smashed the world record for the number of people singing carols at the same time.

The 15-minutes of carolling included “Silent Night”, “O Come All Ye Faithful”, “O Little Town and Bethlehem” and “Away in a Manger”. It was part of Premier Christian Radio’s Christmas starts with Christ campaign.

So far more than 17,000 people are reported to have taken part, with some churches still to submit their figures. This has beaten the current record and will be verified in the next few months.

The Rev Neil Chappell, vicar at Greenacres Congregational Church, said: “People always enjoy a carol service with their favourite carols and readings, mince pies and coffee afterwards.

“It occurred to me that people who might not come to an ordinary carol service, or haven’t been to one in recent years, might come along if the event was part of a world record attempt.”