The Civic Party are inviting residents and visitors to its annual Christmas Carol Service which takes place on Christmas Eve and encourages visitors to be part of the service.

The event which starts at 7.30pm on Tuesday 24 December is supported by the Salvation Army whose band will be playing a wide array of festive songs in St Helen’s Square with the audience encouraged to form the choir. The service is expected to finish at around 8.30pm.

As this is an outdoor event residents and visitors are encouraged to wear suitable clothing for the cold temperatures.

The Rt Hon The Lord Mayor of York, Cllr Gillies said: “I am very much looking forward to this festive concert event which epitomises Christmas in the way that it brings people together to have fun. What better way to start your festive celebrations than to spend time in St Helens Square with residents and visitors in York? The voices of the public with the music from the Salvation Army will make for a truly magical evening. We are also hoping for a brief visit from Father Christmas to St Helen’s Square, which is sparkling with the lights which add to the festive feel of this occasion”

Traffic restrictions will be in place atSt Helen’s Square, Coney Street and Lendal, which will be closed to traffic from 6.30pm to 9pm as the event takes place.