A day of celebrations forFamily Church branches

An earlier Christmas show at the Family Church there are three big events coming up

On Sunday, December 18, events will be staggered throughout the day at Family Churches in Portsmouth, Havant and Gosport.

To kick-start the celebrations, Christmas Around the World will begin at 10.30am at Brune Park Community School, Gosport.

The morning will include a diverse and multicultural Christmas carol service, representing many different cultures across the world.

With a multicultural congregation, the singing group will consist of many nationalities with the carols being sung from a variety of cultures.

Pastor Geoff Wood said: ‘I’m hoping this will be a Christmas carol service with lots of Christmas tingle, a clear Christmas message and lots of fun with all areas of church being involved.

All are welcome at the event and there will be free refreshments afterwards.

Held at The Portsmouth Academy, in St Mary’s Road, Fratton, the next service begins at 4pm.

It will be a fun-filled evening, packed with Christmas-themed activities, with a real-life nativity including animals, a brass band, kids’ craft activities and a Santa’s Grotto.

Entry is just £2 per child.

Refreshments including mince pies and mulled wine will be available.

From 5.30pm local residents will be invited to the Christmas show for an evening of carol singing and performances in the Winter Wonderland.

The Havant congregation will be holding their Christmas celebration from 5pm at the Empower Centre, in Botley Drive, Leigh Park.

The evening will involve traditional Christmas carols, a nativity for all children to join in, as well as a competition with the annual Christmas jumper contest.

It will be followed by free refreshments, including mince pies, mulled wine, doughnuts and candy floss.

For more information go to family-church.org.uk.