Second annual Carol Service on the Walls

THE second annual Carol Service on the Walls is taking place on December 19 at 7pm on the walls opposite First Derry Presbyterian Church.

Following the success of last year’s event, where approximately 300 people braved the cold and icy conditions to attend the Carol Service, organizers have decided to make this an annual event.

The Carol Service is being organized by Rev David Latimer and Fr Canny with support from Derry City Council Community Relations Officers.

It is open to everyone in the city to come along to sing Carols and get into the festive spirit. The event will give people the opportunity to take time out from the shopping and organising to reflect on the essence of Christmas and its religious and spiritual significance.

Most people get caught up in the hysteria and buying of gifts and actually forget that Christmas is about celebrating the birth of Christ, the carol service will give people the opportunity to reconnect with Christmas.

During the service, there will be performances from choirs from Colleges from the Maintained and Controlled sectors and will also be attended by Community Groups from both sides of the Foyle.

The event will culminate in refreshments being served in the Tower Hotel to allow people to have a warm drink and mingle with other attendees.

Derry City Council is also organising transport to the carol service to allow people better access to the event.

Busses will be provided from the Waterside and from the Shantallow/Galliagh area to the city centre and will also return.

Bus information is as follows: Waterside - Pick up at Lisnagelvin Leisure Centre at 6.15pm; Pickup at Waterside Theatre, Glendermott Road at 6.25pm; Pickup at Spencer Road Car Park (opposite Sandwich Co) at 6.40pm; to arrive in the city centre at 6.50pm.

The bus will depart from the Tower Hotel after the event at Tower Hotel at 9.00pm.

Shantallow/Galliagh - Pickup at Northside Shopping Centre at 6.15pm; Pickup at Shantallow Community Centre at 6.25pm; Pickup at St Peters Parish Hall at 18:35; Pickup at Da-Vinci’s Hotel at 6.40m to arrive in the city centre at 6.50pm.

The bus will depart from the Tower Hotel after the event at 9.00pm .

Although the event has been organized by two of the main churches, they are keen to make this an event for all faiths and none and make sure that everyone will feel welcome at it.