St Michael’s Church in Oulton illuminated for outdoor carols

Community churchyard carols at St Michael's Oulton (Image: Mick Howes)

Crowds of people lined the paths as innovative, dramatic lighting illuminated St Michael’s Church in Oulton.

After the success of an inaugural village event last year, a fine turnout of people congregated outdoors on Saturday, December 10 for the community churchyard carols event.

The church exterior was illuminated with professional lighting equipment operated by students from Sir John Leman High School in Beccles.

Community churchyard carols at St Michael's in Oulton (Image: Mick Howes)

With strings of lights installed up and down the paths, the sides of the church were lit in coloured shade, as crowds of people wrapped up warmly and lined the paths with torches as they sang from the carol sheets.

The Community Churchyard Christmas Carols were accompanied by Oulton Broad Team Ministry Brass Band and the deanery bell ringing team.

Community churchyard carols at St Michael's in Oulton (Image: Mick Howes)

Hailing a "wonderful sense of community", team vicar designate for the Oulton Broad team ministry, Rev Andy Bunter said the event was "bigger and better this year."

Team Vicar Designate for the Oulton Broad Team Ministry, Rev Andy Bunter (Image: Mick Howes)

There was even a surprise visit "from someone wearing red", with Santa making an appearance as a snow machine started.

Rev Andy Bunter and Santa (Image: Mick Howes)

Santa meeting children in Oulton (Image: Mick Howes)

With hot chocolate and mince pies available throughout the carol service, a short Christmas message was also given in between the carols by Rev Andy Bunter.

Community carols (Image: Mick Howes)

The carol service collection will be split equally between the Tear Fund and St Michael’s Church.