BBC Documentaries

Christmas at St Paul's (2018x323)

Date de diffusion: Déc 24, 2018

This film goes behind the scenes at St Paul's Cathedral for their most magical time of year - Christmas. What is it like for the people who make the magic happen, and how do they cater for the 45,000 visitors that come through the cathedral's doors during the festive season? Rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of London destroyed its predecessor, St Paul's Cathedral is known as the nation's church and has become an iconic symbol of London - home to the royal wedding of Charles and Diana, Winston Churchill's funeral and the Queen's 90th birthday service. Every Christmas, the cathedral puts on a magnificent array of 17 special services and concerts, from the Advent Procession to carol concerts, Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day itself. This programme watches as the spectacular events of the festive season unfold and goes behind the scenes as the Christmas trees are winched into place and the golden copes are repaired. From the clergy to the choirboys, the show discovers the gargantuan efforts that go into making Christmas happen at St Paul's and meet the dedicated people who turn these traditions into a reality. The film introduces Canon Michael Hampel, a member of Chapter (the cathedral's governing body) and the man tasked with running Christmas at St Paul's. From the Advent Procession to the big service on Christmas Day, it is Canon Michael's responsibility to make sure every event in the St Paul's festive calendar is the best it can be. With a background in amateur dramatics, stage management comes naturally to Canon Michael. Central to the festivities are director of music Andrew Carwood and the 30 choristers that make up the cathedral's world-famous choir. The choristers board at the cathedral school, starting at seven years old and finishing around 13 when their voices start to change. They include 12-year-old Benjamin, who will be spending his last Christmas at St Paul's and hopes to sing the big Christmas solo. Father J