BASINGSTOKE will hit the high notes this festive season as the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane’s annual Christmas Carol Service returns with a festive programme of music and readings.

Mayor Cllr David Leeks and mayoress Amanda Leeks are inviting residents to the free seasonal event, which will be held on Saturday, December 9, at 6pm at St Michael's Church in Church Square.

The traditional Christmas service will feature carols and performances from Tadley and Kingsclere Songsters and South View Junior School, as well as readings by representatives from the mayor's charities.

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Basingstoke Gazette: An image of last year's service An image of last year's service (Image: Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council)

There will also be the opportunity to join the mayor and mayoress for refreshments after the service, prepared and served by students from Basingstoke College of Technology.

Proceeds from the collection will go to the mayor’s charity appeal which this year supports three local good causes – Citizens Advice Basingstoke, Citizens Advice Tadley and Shopmobility Basingstoke.

Tickets to the event are free but limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

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Cllr Leeks said: “The mayoress and I are both really looking forward to the annual Christmas service which is an excellent way to kick off the festive season.

“We are very grateful to the local organisations, schools and individuals who will tell the Christmas story through music, readings and prayers.

“People of all ages are welcome to join us for this special event, the proceeds of which will be going to my charity appeal supporting three fantastic local causes that make such a difference in our local communities.”

More information about the event can be found at basingstoke.gov.uk/carolservice-2023.