Sawbridgeworth Evangelical Congregational Church to hold Christmas carols event in weekend of festive cheer

Christmas appears to be starting early everywhere as residents try to banish a grim year with tinsel and baubles – and in Sawbridgeworth, a weekend of festive joy is being planned.

Sawbridgeworth Evangelical Congregational Church has hatched proposals for a Christmas carols event on Sunday December 13, with children from local schools and a performing arts group taking part.

Minister the Rev Gary Hanson told the Indie the church began thinking in September about an event after realising the only way to celebrate Christmas with carols would be to live-screen it.

“We said ‘Let’s make it a community event and get schools to do their own performances’," he said. "It’s a chance to bring Sawbridgeworth apart, together.”

Gary added that the enthusiasm from the town’s primary schools and performing arts group Youth Create was “remarkable”.

The event will feature readings and performances by pupils from Mandeville Primary, Reedings Junior, Fawbert and Barnard Infants and Spellbrook Primary, along with Youth Create.

“We will have four carols and we’re hoping to end with the shopkeepers wishing everyone a merry Christmas,” said Gary, who added that people would also be asked to join in a doorstep rendition of We Wish You A Merry Christmas.

“We want to try and make sure there’s a little buzz about the place,” he added.

There will be a treat for children on the Saturday as Sawbridgeworth Town Council has arranged for Father Christmas to tour the town in his sleigh. The Sawbo Sleigh Ride starts at 4.30pm. For more details, see the town council’s Facebook page.

Churches in Sawbridgeworth and High Wych have also organised an initiative called Christmas In A Bag. The bags will contain treats to spread a little Christmas cheer. If you know someone who would like one, email office@secchurch.org.uk or ring 07549 006777.