Nine Lessons and Carols
Nine Lessons and Carols is the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, the Christmas Eve service in King's College Chapel, first held in 1918 and broadcast by the BBC around the world. Nine readings from the Bible alternate with carols sung by the College choir.
In practice
The service traditionally begins with a single treble from the choir singing the first verse of "Once in Royal David's City" alone; the boy is chosen only moments before the service starts. It has been broadcast on BBC radio almost every year since 1928, and is heard by millions of people worldwide. A limited number of places for the public are allocated to those who queue outside King's on Christmas Eve, often from early morning.
Why it matters to newcomers
Hearing the service in the chapel is a famous Cambridge experience, but a cold one: the queue starts very early. Most people listen on the radio. The choir also sings Evensong in the chapel throughout term, free to attend.
Related
- King's Parade - where the queue forms
- Choral evensong - the daily sung service
- College - King's is one of the oldest
Source: King's College.