BRENTWOOD Cathedral played host to this year's BBC Essex Celebration of Christmas show.
Ian Wyatt of BBC Essex hosted the ticket-only event, which drew a crowd of about 750 people, filling nearly all the seats at the Ingrave Road cathedral. The service was led by the Bishop of Brentwood, the Right Reverend Thomas Mcmahon.
The Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Lord Petre read Carol by Elizabeth Jenning at the service.
He was among the distinguished guests, including BBC Essex presenter Dave Monk and Sister Teresa of the Community of Our Lady of Walsingham at Abbotswick, who read at the service on Sunday afternoon.
Dean of Brentwood Cathedral Martin Boland told the Gazette: "The day was a huge success.
"It bought together all different communities in Brentwood.
"We had the Royal Legion band, we had choirs from our schools, we had the cathedral choir and all sorts of different people reading.
"It was a great occasion and people from all over Essex came to the cathedral for that celebration."
Southend Girls' Choir soloist Hannah Wallen sang In The Bleak Midwinter and Brentwood Cathedral Choir soloist Julia Wilson-James sang Holy Night.
A Great And Mighty Wonder by the late Sir Phillip Ledger, made its debut at the service, performed by the Brentwood Cathedral Choir.
The famous church musician, who was director of music at Kings College, Cambridge, died last month.
Father Boland added: "It was the last carol he wrote before his death.
"He wrote the piece for Brentwood Cathedral. It was written specifically for the master of music [at the cathedral] Andrew Wright."
BBC Essex will be broadcasting the recording on Christmas Eve at 5pm and at 6am on Christmas Day.
Tune into 95.3FM to listen to the wonderful music.
