NEWS

Stars shine for Christmas at cathedral

30 November 2005 12:22

.

ITV1 filmed its Christmas Eve carol service at Norwich Cathedral last night. MARK NICHOLLS and LORNA MARSH went behind the scenes and joined the congregation. Pictures by ANTONY KELLY

………………………………………………



It may have been a frosty late November night but inside Norwich Cathedral, for a few brief hours, it was Christmas Eve. Hundreds of people gathered for a star-spangled celebrity concert to be broadcast on December 24.

Rick Astley, Matthew Kelly, Carol Smillie, Katharine Jenkins, Martin Bell and Michael Brunson were among those who performed, gave readings and led prayers for the festive spectacular.

And the congregation gave equally rousing renditions of In the Bleak Midwinter, Once in Royal David's City and even While Shepherds Watched ... all for ITV.

The cathedral was wonderful; candles flickering on enormous holly crowns and a magnificent Christmas tree sprinkled with 1000 lights and gold and silver stars to create a truly Christmas atmosphere.

Katharine Jenkins prepares to lend her voice to the Christmas Eve service for ITV.

Yet this was television. The congregation were at once participants, an audience and even bit-part extras for a slick production as carols were recorded and re-recorded, addresses twice given and singers given a second chance to hit the right key.

Even the bishop, the Rt Rev Graham James had to await his cue as filming ran late and on into the night.

But ITV1 had assembled a diverse cast for the Christmas Eve broadcast ... and they couldn't have chosen a finer location.

Just hours earlier the cathedral had been buzzing with television crews making final preparations and checks, so that millions across the country could enjoy the event as much as those lucky enough to attend.

But as the opening strains of Silent Night, sung by 1980s' pop sensation Rick Astley, echoed around Norwich Cathedral a soothing calm descended along with an early hint of festive spirit.

Rising star Hayley Westenra, 18, admitted at rehearsals that she was tired from a tight schedule but excited about performing at the cathedral.

“I'm really looking forward to it. Christmas carols always put you in a good mood, particularly in this setting. I'm doing a tour of churches and cathedrals at the moment, but this is stunning. Coming from New Zealand you don't get to see historical places like this, it's lovely,” said Miss Westenra.

The Carol Service filmed at Norwich Cathedral will look ‘glorious’ on screens around the country, its ITV1 producer predicted.

The Choirboys, Ben Inman and Patrick Aspbury, both 12, and 11-year-old CJ Porter-Thaw were also looking forward to the service, which took place the day after their debut album was released.

Patrick said: “It's really cool. We all like Christmas so this will be good.”

Producer Samantha Paul said: “I came down on Sunday but we had crews putting up the scaffolding and rigging for lighting from Wednesday.

“It has been hectic, but you would expect it to be. The setting is wonderful. It is just going to look glorious when it is shown.”

The Very Rev Graham Smith, Dean of the cathedral, said: “It's going to be a great moment not just for the cathedral but for the wider community of Norfolk.”

Also being televised by Granada for ITV1 is a peace service taking place at the cathedral tonight featuring veteran campaigner Bruce Kent.

Email A Friend