WHAT better way to get into the Christmas spirit than by watching the sky light up with a fantastic firework display and then singing some Christmas carols?

The Lancashire Telegraph Christmas Carol Service takes place at Blackburn Cathedral following a spectacular firework display in the cathedral grounds.

The firework display, sponsored by North West Regional Development Agency and Blackburn with Darwen Council, will start at 6.30pm and will be followed by the popular annual carol service at 7.30pm.

As crowds flood into the service music will played by Blackburn Salvation Army Band and the welcome and bidding prayer will be read by The Very Rev Christopher Armstrong, Dean of Blackburn.

In between singing your heart out to festive hymns including Once in Royal David's City, Good King Wencelas and Away in a Manger, there will be a number of festive readings: a seasonal poem read by Canon Chris Chivers and Lancashire Telegraph assistant editor Nick Nunn will read Isaiah 9.2-7.

The boys and girls of Blackburn Cathedral Choir, Blackburn Cathedral Children's Choir, Lantern Voices, The Blackburn People's Choir and The Salvation Army Band will be on hand to wow the crowd with their music.

And all eyes will be on organist James Davy who will be accompanying the Christmas hymns on the cathedral's magnificent refurbished organ.

A cathedral spokesman said: "The Lancashire Telegraph's Christmas firework display in the grounds of the cathedral seems to get better every year and must surely be one of the greatest free shows of the year.

"It is an occasion not to be missed.

"The carol service which follows in the cathedral is also a great family occasion and proves very popular every year."

  • Blackburn Cathedral, tonight - fireworks 6.30pm, carols from 7.30pm. Free.