CANCELLED – This event has now been cancelled due to COVID-19, although no legal restrictions prevent the event from taking place.
In a statement, Mountbatten has said:
“Regretfully, we have decided to cancel the Mountbatten Carol Service at Newport Minster on Wednesday, 22 December and also the concert at the hospice on Thursday, 23 December. Although it is important that we have opportunities for people to come together, the current situation seems to be worsening daily, and it appears to be the sensible thing to do.
Article continues below this advertisement “We will, however, continue to have Christmas Lunch at the hospice on Saturday, 25 December, as most restaurants and cafes remain open, and we can manage to distance the seating and have all necessary precautions in place.
“Mountbatten will contact all ticket holders for the concert on 23 December to arrange refunds or to carry tickets over to a future concert date.”
Islanders are being invited to join Mountbatten for a Christmas carol service next week.
From 18:30 next Wednesday (22nd December), a special service is being held to celebrate the festive season at Newport Minster, Newport.
Carols sung by Mountbatten’s Community Choir, made up of members of the public, staff, volunteers and Islanders supported by Mountbatten, will be among the highlights.
Part of the event will also take place by candlelight, and mince pies and mulled wine will be served afterwards.
Social distancing measures will be in place including spaced seating and attendees will be required to wear a face-covering.
Nigel Hartley, Mountbatten CEO, said:
“I am very much looking forward to this service and hope that as many people as possible will come and join us.
“Loneliness and isolation are increasing issues in our communities, particularly at this time of year, and they are made worse by the ongoing pandemic.
“It is important that Mountbatten continues to offer opportunities for people to come together whilst keeping each other safe.”
As well as the carol service, Mountbatten’s December concert featuring a performance from the popular close-harmony vocal group, Company B, has almost sold out, and around 50 people will be joining Mountbatten for Christmas dinner at the hospice on Christmas Day.
For more information, visit Mountbatten’s website – www.mountbatten.org.uk.
