'Blue light' services honoured at annual emergency services carol service in Derry

A large congregation filled St Columb’s Cathedral for the annual Joint Emergency Services Northwest Community Carol Service. The event provided a moment of reflection and gratitude for the sacrifice and dedication of Northern Ireland's 'blue light' services and first responders.

The service, led by the Dean of Derry, Very Rev Raymond Stewart, was attended by distinguished guests including the Lord Lieutenant for the County Borough of Londonderry, Ian Crowe MBE CStJ, and the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Ruairí McHugh.

Leaders from the four main Christian denominations - Rt Rev Andrew Forster, Most Rev Dr Donal McKeown, Rev Peter Morris, and Rev Stephen Hibbert - participated in the service, offering prayers and readings for those who risk their lives to keep the public safe.

Musical worship was provided by the talented Cathedral Choir of Boy and Girl Choristers, directed by Nicky Morton. The congregation was also treated to joyous performances by the primary school choirs of Lisnagelvin and Long Tower Primary Schools, who combined for a moving rendition of 'A Christmas Gift/Silent Night'.

Senior representatives from various emergency services delivered readings during the service, including Chief Superintendent Gillian Kearney of the PSNI, and leaders from the Air Ambulance NI, NI Ambulance Service, NI Fire & Rescue Service, and Foyle Search and Rescue.

In his blessing, Bishop Andrew Forster (pictured above) paid tribute to the unique dedication of the first responders: "I am always struck at this service, year by year, thinking about people who at the very top of their priority list put the safety and the wellbeing of others.

"That, in the world that we live in, is a fairly unique thing," Bishop Andrew said.

He spoke of the deep sense of family within the services and acknowledged the significant personal and family sacrifices made by personnel during the festive season.

Derry's 'A Stitch In Time' artwork granted lifeline funding despite exceeding ten-year lifespan

Councillors supported calls to retain the iconic legacy of the City of Culture programme

The evening’s offering was collected in support of the Order of St John (St John Ambulance and St John Eye Hospital Group), and sincere thanks were extended to the Inner City Trust for sponsoring the event.