Covid-beating drive-in church service in pub car park+ radio broadcast to parish WAVELENGTH
The community spirit of Christmas is singing out loud in the parish of Elstow Abbey Church in Bedfordshire.
Vicar Father Paul Messam and friends have arranged two drive-in services in the car park of the Red Lion village pub to allow people to join voices for carol concerts, as singing remains banned in churches.
Up to 90 cars can be fitted into the space and on stage will be Father Paul on Saturday 19th December, joined by the Bishop of Bedford on Sunday 20th.
Father Paul has secured a special Ofcom Licence for a radio broadcast of both events to a one mile radius of the show, so people can tune in at home.
A hymn sheet will be posted on the church website to allow people to download and sing-a-long at home.
Included in the show and broadcast, will be pre-recorded songs from Elstow Primary School.
Said Father Paul: “We have managed to include all the elements of the services as they would be held in the Abbey at Christmas, but in such a way that people can raise their voices to celebrate in their own car. People miss being able to sing together in church and our numbers are limited by social distancing. By combining with the local pub we are restoring that joyous activity.”
The pub will be offering food and soft drinks to those sitting in their vehicles and there will be a full meal service available afterwards in the pub (booking advised/Covid rules apply).
The whole event conforms to Covid regulations.
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