Cliff Park Community Church in Gorleston will be off to the theatre for the annual Carols and Coffee at Gorleston Pavilion. This year the popular service is coming forward a week and will be held this Advent Sunday (December 3) at 10.30am.

The free event always attracts a full house with people enjoying singing favourite carols accompanied by the Great Yarmouth Future Brass Band conducted by Joel Heys. Last year a group of singers from the church worship band joined the musicians to help lead the singing. This year the group will also have their own slot in the service.

The Minister, the Rev Mike Simm, will be giving a short talk and young people will be helping with the Bible reading.

There is no admission charge but there will be a bucket collection, which this year will be for the Living Room project which provides a night shelter for the homeless in Great Yarmouth during the winter months.

Church member Anna Heydon who set up and supervises the project which had a pilot run last winter will be explaining a little about the work.

Former broadcaster Tony Mallion will host the service. He said: “This really is a great way to start the build up to Christmas. We are so pleased to hold it on Advent Sunday.

“People really do enjoy this annual event and the special atmosphere of the Pavilion with its tables and chairs which is perfect for this cafe style relaxed service.”

He added that it made it easier for the theatre because it comes a day before the scenery is set for this year’s pantomime Cinderella and the stage will be clearer.

Mr Simm said he was pleased that this had become such a tradition over the years and something which people anticipate. The following week the church will also bring back Carols on the Green at the Mews in Cliff Park after a gap last year.

He said: “We thought we would go round carol singing and inviting people to our services last year but so many people asked why we weren’t doing Carols on the Green. So this year it is genuinely back by public demand.”

Carols and Coffee is at Gorleston Pavilion is at 10.30 with people asked to arrive in good time. Carols on the Green will be on the Mews at 5 pm on Sunday, December 10 when mince pies and mulled wine will be served.