THE CITY is set to enjoy a festive few days filled with music, worship and family-friendly celebrations as Salisbury Cathedral hosts a full programme of Christmas services.

One of the highlights in the run-up to Christmas is the much-loved Carols by Candlelight, taking place on this evening and tomorrow at 7pm.

These atmospheric services, set in the glow of candlelight, feature traditional carols, choral works and Bible readings telling the story of Jesus’ birth, sung by the Cathedral Choir.

The services are extremely popular with visitors advised to queue early as doors open an hour beforehand.

Today’s service will also be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person.

Christmas Eve at the cathedral offers something for everyone, beginning early with Morning Prayer at 7.30am, followed by Holy Communion.

Families are especially welcome at the Family Crib Services at 1pm and 2.30pm.

These short, joyful services retell the story of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem and include traditional carols with modern touches, performed by the Cathedral’s junior choristers and youth choirs. No booking is required.

Later in the afternoon, Choral Evensong at 5.30pm marks a reflective start to Christmas, with music, readings and prayers sung by the Cathedral Choir. The service will be livestreamed.

The day concludes at 11pm with the First Eucharist of Christmas, commonly known as Midnight Mass, one of the most significant and well-attended services of the year, welcoming in the twelve days of Christmas.

On Christmas Day itself, Holy Communion will be held at 8am, followed by the main Christmas Eucharist at 10.30am, celebrating the birth of Christ.

Festivities conclude at 3pm with Festal Evensong, featuring choral music and prayers. All services are free to attend, with several available to watch online, making Salisbury Cathedral a focal point of the city’s Christmas celebrations.