Castle carols to set off festivities in Warwick

The traditional carol service attracts hundreds of visitors to Warwick Castle each year with mulled wine, music and merriment to raise as much as £10,000 for good causes.

Organised by the Rotary Club of Warwick, The Warwick Lions, and the Friends of St Mary’s Choir, the service is designed to promote community and charitable spirit in the run up to the big day.

The service will start at 7.30pm on Saturday December 19 with songs led by the choir of St Mary’s and Royal Spa Brass.

The back-drop of the castle’s East Gate this will be illuminated once again with “magnificent coloured projections, adding to the magical atmosphere of the evening”.

Selwyn Rowley from the carols organising committee said the night would once again get in the true spirit of Christmas with all proceeds going towards local charities.

He said: “There will be an amazing atmosphere once again and the service just goes from strength to strength.

“The event raises up to £10,000 every year and it all goes to excellent causes so it will be great to see more people getting involved this year.”

Donations are made to town causes which might otherwise struggle to get funding, with past years including paying for defibrillators for Warwick Ambulance Association, groundwork for a garden gazebo at the Heathcote rehabilitation hospital, support for children at Northleigh House School and help for families in need of essential household goods.

A spokesperson for Warwick Castle - which provides the venue and services on the night free of charge each year - said: “Set against the magnificent setting of the castle’s East Gate, the event has a wonderful atmosphere.

“ Visitors have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of stalls offering such fare as mince pies, baked potatoes, sausage rolls and warm drinks including mulled wine.”

Gates open 6.45pm with the singing starting at 7.30pm.

Tickets are £7.50 for adults and £1 for children. Available online here or on the gate.