Standing room only at Christmas services

The Diocese of Lichfield has reported a hugely successful run of Christmas services this year, with people having to be turned away in some places because churches were full to capacity.

The diocese said there had been a huge rise in Christmas attendance, which the Bishop of Lichfield, the Rt Rev Jonathan Gledhill, attributed to a desire to return to the spiritual meaning of Christmas.

"I think more and more people are realising that consumerism by itself doesn't satisfy. You get more presents but you don't enjoy it anymore," he said. "And I think people are thinking again about the real meaning of Christmas."

More than 500 people squeezed their way into All Saints Church in Wellington, Shropshire, to take part in the Carols by Candlelight service, although the church can only accommodate 450.

The Vicar of Wellington, the Rev Mark Ireland, said: "We are used to hearing at this time of year of there being 'no room at the inn', but this year there was 'no room at the church'. Some people who came as the service was starting saw there was no room even to stand at the back and went away again disappointed.

"I am really sorry to hear that some people who wanted to come and hear the good news about Jesus had to go away again because we couldn't squeeze them in. Our beautiful Carols by Candlelight service is always the most popular service of the year."

Last Sunday's Christmas Carol Service at St Bartholomew's Church in Tong, Shropshire, also enjoyed a standing room only turnout. The church was so full that the vicar, the Venerable John Hall, removed his chair and prayer desk to make room for more chairs. The 303 worshippers who joined in the service made it the best turn-out for nine years.

New style Christmas services also enjoyed a high attendance.

The 'Moving Carol Service' in Kemberton, Shropshire, attracted more than 100 villagers as it made its way from local pub the Masons Arms, to a local farm and then finally the barn at Kemberton Hall.

The Rev Preb David Chantrey said: "Some of them came to one or other part of the journey, some attended at two places, and some at all three. It was an excellent event."

Other churches also reported high numbers. The Rev Mark Salmon reported a considerable increase over last year's Christmas attendance, with around 1,500 people passing through the doors of the Church of the Holy Spirit in Harlescott, Shrewsbury in the week running up to Christmas Day.

The churches of St Andrew's Church at Shifnal and St Mary the Virgin in Sheriffhales, meanwhile, both saw a thirty per cent increase in attendance at their carol services on the Sunday before Christmas.