Bradford church's Blue Carol Service for those who struggle at Christmas
published on 5 Dec 2025
A reflective carol service to support people who find the festive season difficult is to be held at Bradford Citadel Salvation Army.
The Blue Carol Service, on Sunday 14 December at the church and charity in Holroyd Hill, Wibsey, invites people to reflect on the Christmas story and enjoy peaceful carols, particularly if they are grieving or have experienced loss.
It forms part of a number of festive events taking part at Bradford Citadel Salvation Army this month, which includes an all age family friendly Christmas carol service and Family Film Night.
Salvation Army church leader Lt Thomas Morgan, who leads Bradford Citadel with Lt Joanna, said: “Our Blue Carol Service is gentle and reflective with worship and seated carols. Christmas always seems to be accompanied by jolly songs, ringing tills and the expectation that you will have a good time, but that’s not how it feels for many people.
“For many this year will have been hard, for whatever reason, be that bereavement, loss, illness, estrangement from family or friends, or other worries, and Christmas just seems to highlight the difficulties.
“If you’ve had a busy year and you’re starting to wind down, perhaps you want somewhere warm and quiet to be to reflect and regroup. Whatever the reason is you are welcome here at Bradford Citadel Salvation Army.
“We felt we really wanted to offer something slower paced to those who may get to this time of year and just want to shut the door. We’re saying you don’t need to shut the door, there are people there for you who will sit with you quietly, pray if you wish or offering a listening ear. You don’t need to be alone.”
If you would like to join the service, it starts at 4.30pm on Sunday 14 December at the church in Holroyd Hill. The service is open to all and you can just show up on the day.
For a change of pace, the following week on Sunday 21 December, the Family Friendly Carol Service will start at 4.30pm with people encouraged to dress as a nativity character.
The Family Film Night on Monday 29 December will show Muppet Christmas Carol with free pizza, popcorn and lots of snacks. Doors open at 4pm with the film starting at 4.30pm. Entry is free, but please let them know you are planning to attend so they can plan catering. You can phone 01274 677 591 or email bradford.citadel@salvationarmy.org.uk to book.
Christmas Day worship will be held at 10am.
Bradford Citadel Salvation Army is also supporting hundreds of children across the city by distributing new gifts to families who are struggling financially – ensuring they have something to open on Christmas morning.
