The King has encouraged people who are bringing carol singing to unusual places (Image: Getty)
King Charles has given his blessing to the movement behind Christmas carol “flash mobs” which have brought festive cheer to towns and cities across the UK and Ireland.
The campaign encourages people from radically different church traditions to stage their carol concerts and nativity events in high streets, shopping centres and town halls this weekend.
The King has sent his “warmest good wishes” to everyone taking part and described how he admires the campaign’s efforts to bring different denominations together. He has wished participants every success.
Last year more than 75,000 people from more than 700 churches took part. This year the goal is to have 100,000 people bring the light of Christmas to streets, offices, workplaces and beyond.
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Support has come from across the political spectrum.
Labour MP Marsha de Cordova, who serves as Second Church Estates Commissioner for the Church of England, said: “Thank you to every person who has offered to host one of these events in their community. This year, the joy and message of Christmas needs to be felt across the country.”
And Nigel Huddleston, co-chairman of the Conservative party, said: “Christmas is almost upon us – and the sound of carols will be heard in churches across this land. However, we were delighted to hear of Shine Your Light, a national campaign seeking to take carols outside of church buildings and being sung in public places.
“It is believed one million people will hear these carols in communities across the country as a result of Shine Your Light and churches stepping up.”
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Jonathan Oloyede, convenor of the National Day of Prayer and Worship which is spearheading the initiative, was delighted by the King’s words.
He said: “To see Christians publicly recognised for taking the true message of Christmas into our communities by His Majesty The King is such an encouragement. We thank His Majesty for his gracious words and look forward to being able to share with him the great stories of inspiration from across the Isles as many spread light, hope and joy everywhere.”