CAROL singers entertained a huge crowd in the Royal Square last night as part of La Fête dé Noué.

A 30-strong community gospel choir, led by husband-and-wife team Jane and James Horsfall, conducting and playing keyboards respectively, warmed about 1,000 Islanders for the third annual carol service held as a joint project by Jersey’s churches. Starting at 6 pm, the service also included readings from Senator Ian Le Marquand, the Bailiff and the Rev Randolph Scott, and a Christmas message from the Dean, the Very Rev Bob Key. Tourism staff distributed song sheets to the crowds and invited them to sing along.

Organiser Mike Fields said that the aim was to make a joyful noise to the Lord and to celebrate Christmas. ‘It went very well and we had a tremendous crowd,’ he said. ‘It was packed out and judging by the smiling faces, everyone was enjoying it.’

At the end of the service, which lasted about 45 minutes, the Dean invited everyone into the Town Church for coffee and mince pies.