The Mayor of St Albans City and District, Annie Brewster, and the Deputy Mayor, councillor Brian Gibbard, will host a traditional Christmas carol concert at the War Memorial at the top of St Peter’s Street, St Albans, from 4pm on Sunday.

Gareth Gates and the other stars from the Alban Arena pantomime, Cinderella, took a break from their rehearsals to help the Mayor prepare for the event. They will not be able to sing at the concert due to their own Sunday matinee performance at the Alban Arena.

The event will raise funds for Iain Rennie Grove House Hospice Care.

Mayor Brewster said: "Please take a break from Christmas card writing and join me on Sunday afternoon for traditional outdoor carols in the city centre. "We will be led by the St Albans City Band and the excellent St Peter’s Church choristers.

"We will all have the opportunity to light a candle to remember a loved one and refreshments will be available afterwards at the Blacksmiths Arms.

"Everyone is welcome to come and sing with us to help raise funds for Iain Rennie Grove House Hospice Care, one of our vital local charities."

Written messages or prayers for peace may be placed on the railings surrounding the St Albans Christmas Peace Tree.

Special colourful labels are available from the adjacent Rumball Sedgwick estate agents, the Blacksmiths Arms pub and Cock pub.

The Mayor and Deputy Mayor will be joined by The Very Reverend Dr Jeffrey John, Dean of St Albans, Rev Anne Hollinghurst of St Peter’s Church and the Mayor’s Chaplain, Rev Richard Banham.