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Virtual Admiralty Carol Service: Watch It Here

The annual Christmas Admiralty Carol Service has taken place a little differently in 2020, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The festive occasion, which usually takes place in St Martin-in-the-Fields in Trafalgar Square, London, has been brought to viewers by BFBS and Forces News as a virtual event.

Respecting social distancing guidelines, gospel readings and addresses come from St Ann's Church in Her Majesty's Naval Base Portsmouth, a site considered to be the spiritual home of the Royal Navy.

Traditional carols are sung by the Royal Hospital School Chapel Choir at their magnificent 1930s chapel in Holbrook, Suffolk.

They were accompanied by the Brass Quintet from The Band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines Collingwood.

Also included in the programme are video contributions from ships, units, and individuals from around the Navy world, all singing along to the opening and closing carols: a truly global choir.

From St Ann's Church, the service was conducted by The Venerable Martyn Gough QHC, Chaplain of the Fleet and Archdeacon for the Royal Navy.

There was also an address from the First Sea Lord Admiral Tony Radakin, plus gospel readings from Musician Chris Paluscsis from the Royal Marines School of Music, and the Royal Navy's Chief Petty Officer Janine Potts.

At Royal Hospital School, Holbrook, traditional carols are sung by Royal Hospital School Chapel Choir, with organist David Poulter, conducted by Director of Music Edward Allen.

They were accompanied by The Brass Quintet from The Band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines Collingwood led by Band Sergeant Jonathan Rushton.