North Wales MS wants carol concerts to be allowed over Christmas under ‘safer singing’ guidance

A North Wales MS has called for carol concerts to be allowed to go ahead over the Christmas period.

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced Christmas services in churches in England would be allowed to go ahead with congregations in attendance.

It followed the easing of restrictions in places of worship over the border.

Clwyd West MS Darren Millar has now asked for worshippers in Wales to be given the same ability, subject to social distancing measures and the observance of “safe singing” guidelines.

The Conservative, who describes himself as “a committed Christian”, raised the issue at a plenary session in the Senedd earlier this week.

He said: “Obviously, we’ve got the Christmas season that is about to be upon us.

“Many people enjoy going to carol services and participating in worship services at this particular time of the year, and the UK Government has recently made an announcement on principles for safer singing, including in places of worship, which will enable people to get together, provided they are cognisant of social distancing and take other precautions, in order to gather for such worship.

“I would really like the opportunity for people in Wales to enjoy the same privileges, and I wonder whether we could have a statement on this as soon as possible.”

Finance Minister Rebecca Evans responded by stating the issue would be kept under review.

She said: “Thank you to Darren Millar for raising this issue this afternoon, and of course we keep all aspects of our regulations and our guidance under constant review.

“I do understand the challenges that the restrictions on singing in places of worship does place on churches and other places of faith within our communities, and I understand the disappointment that many people feel in not being able to sing at the moment.

“I will ask the Minister for Mental Health, Well-being and Welsh Language—as is her new title—to consider the points that you’ve made, and obviously, as we continue to keep these things under review, your points will be taken into due account.”

Main image: “Bredhurst Woodland Action Group Chrismas Carols Concert”by Jack Picknell is licensed under CC BY 2.0