TODAY is Advent, which signifies the coming of Christmas (birth of Jesus) and the start of a new Christian year.

And St Lawrence Church in Alton is holding an Advent carol service to celebrate, starting at 6.30pm when the church choir (pictured), which has already performed twice at Winchester Cathedral this year, will sing music by Archer, Howells, Palestrina, Stainer, Stravinsky, and a beautifully atmospheric carol ‘E’en so Lord Jesus’ by Paul Manz.

There will also be an opportunity to join in with congregational Advent carols.

Admission is free with a retiring collection.