Event information
The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols tells the story of the fall of humanity, the promise of the Messiah and the birth of Jesus.
It is told through nine short Bible readings interspersed with the singing of Christmas hymns and carols. The format was based on an order of service drawn up in 1880 which has since been adapted by churches all over the world.
The best-known version is broadcast annually on Christmas Eve by the BBC from King’s College, Cambridge.
Each December, VOX Cape Town presents its own local adaptation of the famous Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. The service takes place at St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Somerset Road, Cape Town, continuing the tradition led for many years by the St George’s Singers, and at St Andrew’s Church in Kildare Road, Newlands.
In addition, VOX Cape Town also broadcasts a recording of this service on Fine Music Radio on Christmas Eve, bringing this unique musical celebration to a much wider audience.
This famous order of service intersperses short Bible readings with favourite carols celebrating Advent and Christmas. There are plenty of opportunities for congregational participation.