Carols from King's College 2024: When is the Christmas service on TV, what channel and what time
The King's College Choir returns in 2024 for its much loved celebration of the Christmas story. The service, blending music, readings, and prayers, has become a quintessential part of the festive season.
This year, Carols from King's will be broadcast on BBC Two, featuring an invited congregation of college members and guests performing timeless carols loved by audiences around the world.
Here’s all you need to know about Carols from King's 2024 and how to watch it.
A Rich Heritage
The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols was first held at King’s College, Cambridge, in 1918, introduced by Eric Milner-White, the then Dean of King’s. His aim was to bring hope and unity to a nation reeling from the devastation of the First World War. The now-iconic opening hymn, Once in Royal David’s City, was added a few years later and has since become a cornerstone of the service.
The tradition of broadcasting the service began in 1928 on BBC Radio, making it one of the longest-running Christmas broadcasts in history. In 1954, the BBC began televising Carols from King's, further cementing its place in the cultural fabric of Christmas celebrations across the UK and beyond.
Who is performing at Carols from King's 2024?
Led by the dean, the service begins as a solo chorister sings the first verse of Once in Royal David's City. In keeping with tradition, the chorister is chosen just moments before the performance, adding to the atmosphere of anticipation and reverence.
The choir will perform a selection of traditional and contemporary carols, including Silent Night and In the Bleak Midwinter. Audiences can also look forward to popular classics such as O Come All Ye Faithful, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, and Hark! The Herald Angels Sing. These performances highlight the choir's extraordinary vocal talents and their commitment to preserving the spirit of Christmas through song.
The nativity story will be read by members of King’s College, drawing on the timeless verses of the King James Bible and interspersed with evocative poetry from celebrated writers.
How to watch Carols from King's College 2024
The timings for Carols from King's 2024 are yet to be confirmed by the broadcaster, but the event usually airs at on BBC Two from 6:15pm on Christmas Eve, offering a perfect start to Christmas festivities. For those who miss it, the programme will be available on BBC iPlayer and will be repeated on Christmas Day at 9am.
