Shine a light: Sankta Lucia - A Festival of Light York Minster

Thursday, 7 December 2023 17:38

By Alexander Chadwick @thisisyo1

A traditional Scandinavian service celebrating the bringer of light during the long darkness of winter will take place at York Minster on Monday 11 December at 7pm.

Now in its tenth year at York Minster, the atmospheric Sankta Lucia service features a candlelit procession and carols for all the family. The service is run as a partnership between York Minster and York Anglo-Scandinavian Society (YASS).

Lucia is one of the most significant traditions in the Scandinavian calendar – a powerful symbol and celebration of light and an integral part of the Advent season.

The service features the London Nordic Choir who will form the procession which enters the Nave singing the traditional Lucia song. The singers are dressed in white gowns and carry candles, with Lucia herself as the focal point, wearing a crown of candles and a red ribbon around her waist.

Pernilla Tweddle, Chair of the Lucia Planning Committee at York Anglo Scandinavian Society, said: “The heart-warming tradition of Sankta Lucia brings a sense of continuity, joy and light to people across Scandinavia on 13 December, historically considered the longest day of the year. We are delighted to bring this atmospheric service to the magnificent York Minster for the tenth successive year and hope you can join us.”

Sankta Lucia: A Festival of Light starts at 7pm on Monday 11 December. Doors open at 6pm. Admission is free; the service lasts approximately one hour. There will be a retiring collection at the end of the service with proceeds going to York Minster, YASS and the CoScan Trust Fund, which annually awards grants to young British people to travel and connect with the Nordic countries.

The service will be livestreamed via York Minster’s YouTube channel for those who are unable to attend.

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