Hunstanton RNLI carol service set to fill town’s St Mary’s Church with festive song

A towering church will be filled with music to boost the charity that saves lives at sea.

St Mary’s Church in Old Hunstanton is hosting the ‘RNLI 200’ Christmas carol service on Wednesday, December 18 with the town's concert band at the helm for a special evening of festive favourites.

Crew members from the lifeboat station on nearby Sea Lane will also be taking part in the event, which comes as the RNLI’s 200th anniversary year draws to a close.

Along with the bicentenary of the charity, this year also marked the 200th anniversary of the founding of a lifeboat service at Hunstanton.

And just like their forbears who took to sea in wooden rowing boats wearing oilskins and cork life jackets, today’s volunteers are on call 24/7, 365 days a year - including Christmas Day.

Kate Craven, station visits officer and water safety lead, said: “Christmas is a special time. But rescues continue to happen throughout the festive season, which like our work throughout the year are only made possible by our supporters.

“The service brings everyone together to celebrate their kindness, which we are so grateful for.

“This year’s event comes after a very special year for us in many ways, so we hope people will join us to celebrate in song.”

Admission to the event, which begins at 6pm, is free - but there will be a retiring collection for the RNLI for those who wish to donate.

Parking is at the church car park on the right as you enter the village, just before the duck pond.