Head bang merrily on high

Metal lovers are set for a rocking start to Christmas with the return of the UK's only official Heavy Metal Carol Service.
'A Very Heavy Christmas' is back for the third year at Grimsby Minster, North East Lincolnshire.

The Carol Service will be held on Saturday at 5.30pm, and promises to be a gloriously festive 'alternative' Christmas celebration.

And for 2013 organisers have promised a feast of music and words that will include appearances from a variety of musicians and performers.

Organiser Simon Cross said: "We have some fantastic musicians involved this year, including Yorkshire based heavy rockers Metanoia, as well as a 'super group' of heavy metal talent who will be performing classic Christmas carols in unfamiliar ways.

"As well as the hard stuff, we've got a slot from purveyors of fine grungey psychedelia Seaside Johnson, and a special solo appearance from talented singer Vicky Frost.

"We will also have a set of 'lessons' from the battle scarred veteran of the Punk wars Eagle Spits, who will be delivering some of his own poetry 'readings'.

"This is a great opportunity for anyone who loves Christmas, but perhaps wants something a bit different from a Carol Service."

The Very Heavy Christmas Carol Service, which was first held in 2011, is also an opportunity for Charities who work with the homeless to raise awareness of their work.

A collection is taken at the event to raise funds in support of the work of the Humber Region YMCA and other agencies who work with people who are without a permanent home in North East Lincolnshire. All donations go straight to the charities.

related articles
\'Christmas starts with Christ\': Churches celebrate the true meaning of Christmas
'Christmas starts with Christ': Churches celebrate the true meaning of Christmas

'Christmas starts with Christ': Churches celebrate the true meaning of Christmas

Terry Wogan, Aled Jones and Salvation Army team up for Children in Need single
Terry Wogan, Aled Jones and Salvation Army team up for Children in Need single

Terry Wogan, Aled Jones and Salvation Army team up for Children in Need single

Wendy Billington challenges Church to take off the mask in new book, \'I\'m fine!\'
Wendy Billington challenges Church to take off the mask in new book, 'I'm fine!'

Wendy Billington challenges Church to take off the mask in new book, 'I'm fine!'

Church of England makes Sunday worship more accessible with new app
Church of England makes Sunday worship more accessible with new app

Church of England makes Sunday worship more accessible with new app

Archbishop welcomes digitisation of ancient Bible texts
Archbishop welcomes digitisation of ancient Bible texts

Archbishop welcomes digitisation of ancient Bible texts

Has the Church been \'caricatured\' as anti-gay? An FAQ
Has the Church been 'caricatured' as anti-gay? An FAQ

Has the Church been 'caricatured' as anti-gay? An FAQ

CofE launches new scheme for potential young vicars
CofE launches new scheme for potential young vicars

CofE launches new scheme for potential young vicars

The Archbishop of York\'s prayer marking the life of Nelson Mandela
The Archbishop of York's prayer marking the life of Nelson Mandela

The Archbishop of York's prayer marking the life of Nelson Mandela

In pictures: Willowfield\'s Christmas Tree Festival
In pictures: Willowfield's Christmas Tree Festival

In pictures: Willowfield's Christmas Tree Festival

News
A brief history of Christmas bans
A brief history of Christmas bans

These days, Christmas is hard to miss and nearly impossible to avoid. But at various times it has been banned in different countries, including Britain. This is the story …

Organisers of Christmas evangelistic campaign thrilled with impact
Organisers of Christmas evangelistic campaign thrilled with impact

Organisers of this year's Shine Your Light Christmas evangelistic outreach have been "overwhelmed" by the response from local churches.

Reach out to others, says Salvation Army, as 1.8 million Brits set to spend Christmas Day alone
Reach out to others, says Salvation Army, as 1.8 million Brits set to spend Christmas Day alone

People are being urged to reach out after polling suggested 1.8 million UK adults will spend Christmas Day alone, even though they do not want to.

Another Christmas in hardship for Gaza church
Another Christmas in hardship for Gaza church

For Christians sheltering in the Holy Family parish in Gaza, there will be few comforts this Christmas.