Scouts support Royal Together at Christmas Carol Service 2024
We were incredibly proud that Scouts once again supported the annual Carol Service at Westminster Abbey on 6 December.
Led by our Joint President, HRH The Princess of Wales, the service brought together 1,600 people of all faiths from across communities in the UK. The volunteers and supporters from a huge range of charities were all chosen as people who showed love, kindness and empathy this year.
Over 30 Scouts and volunteers attended from Bury, Belfast, Surrey, London and Manchester. The young people had special responsibility for candle lighting (perhaps because of our reputation as skilful fire lighters) as well as for taking photos of the event from a young person’s point of view.
Among the groups represented were 44th Bury (R.O.B.O.T.) Scouts, part of Bury and Ramsbottom District and 1st West Byfleet Scout Group in Surrey, who are celebrating their centenaries.
An honour to attend
‘We all had an amazing time,’ said Dawn, Lead Volunteer at 44th Bury Scouts, ‘a true memory to be cherished for many years.’
‘Our Scouts thoroughly enjoyed the evening,’ said Jo, Lead Volunteer at 1st Byfleet. ‘It was amazing! Thank you so much.’
Several national volunteers were also invited. Michael Marks, General Secretary – International Forum of Jewish Scouts, said: ‘It was a wonderful occasion and a real honour to be there.’
The service was also attended by many members of the royal family, including TRH The Prince and Princess of Wales’ own family.
A star-filled line up
The inclusive service featured performances from Paloma Faith and Gregory Porter as well as students from the Royal Ballet School. There were also readings from HRH The Prince of Wales, Olympian Adam Peaty OBE, Sophie Okonedo CBE, Michelle Dockery and Richard E. Grant.
Olympian, Sir Chris Hoy MBE, and Paralympians Lizzi Jordan, Danni Khan were among those who supported Scouts with the candle lighting.
Each guest received a special letter from HRH The Princess of Wales, thanking them for all they have done to help other people.
This was a very memorable and enjoyable event. Our Scouts appreciated being involved in this service, and all of us were treated almost like royalty by the Palace staff. We were led directly into the Abbey, where Scouts were encouraged to take photos using old fashioned film cameras. We’ll hopefully see the results of our photographers’ efforts! Thanks to all the staff who were very kind and accommodating.
Paul, volunteer with 1st Byfleet
Trees for Scouts
Guests also added notes to a ‘Kindness Tree’ placed outside the Abbey, so they could dedicate a decoration to someone who had supported them.
There was a final Christmas gift for many Scout Groups in London. Several of the Christmas trees from Westminster Abbey were gifted to Groups on a first come, first served basis, and delivered after the service in time for end of term Christmas celebrations.
How to watch the carol service
The ‘Together at Christmas’ Carol Service will be broadcast as part of Royal Carols: Together At Christmas, a special programme airing on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Eve and repeated on the morning of Christmas Day.