TICKET sales for Chapter House Choir’s first Carols by Candlelight concert in a new setting at York Minster on December 18 are going strong.

Only a few seats are left at the rear of the Nave and a number of unreserved aisle seats are still available, giving a great view of the 7.30pm concert if you arrive early.

Carols By Candlelight is moving from its familiar home in the Chapter House to the Nave to enable many more people to enjoy this York Christmas tradition. Claire Duckworth, the choir’s chairman, says, “We’re thrilled that so many people have already booked their tickets to join us for this special occasion.”

The concert will maintain the Carols by Candlelight traditions, including carols sung by the choir and festive pieces performed by the choir’s handbell ringers.

Special guests Sir Andrew Motion, Poet Laureate from 1999 to 2009, and brass quintet Bells Up have been invited to take part in the concert, along with David Pipe, director of music at York Minster, who will accompany the choir and audience in singing carols together.

Sir Andrew Motion will present seasonal readings. “I’m greatly looking forward to reading as part of this concert – and so sharing with others the splendidness of the choir, and the magnificence of the building, and the occasion of Christmas there,” he says.

Tickets can be booked online at yorkminster.org