Park the Herald, angels, sing! Tesco is playing host to a drive-in carol service in Marlborough on December 12.

Residents who want to sing-in the season but not stand out in the cold can follow the star to the supermarket for the service to be held in Tesco’s car park.

The nativity celebration, organised by the town’s Emmanuel Church, will feature Herod on a motorbike and Wise Men arriving by supermarket trolley camels, following a star to the baby Jesus.

“Car park carols will enable townspeople to gather and sing their favourite Christmas hymns at the tops of their voices from the warmth of their cars, or next to their cars if preferred, in a Covid safe environment,” said a spokeswoman for the event, which will have mince pies donated by Tescos and a prize for the best decorated car.

Admission to the 4.30pm service is free but space is limited and must be booked on tinyurl.com/carparkcarols2021

Emmanuel’s pastor Reuben Mann said last year’s inaugural car park carols was so popular that the church laid on a second service, immediately after the first.

“Townspeople told us how much they enjoyed hearing the carol singing ringing out across the town and we welcome everyone to join in with our celebration this year,” he said.

Emmanuel Church was started six years ago by churches in nearby towns to share the good news about Jesus Christ. Emmanuel has grown since then, with families attracted by children’s groups both during their Sunday afternoon services at Christchurch, New Road, and midweek.

Emmanuel will also be holding a traditional carol service on December 19 at 4pm in Christchurch, and an all-age service at 9am on Christmas Day at Christchurch. For details go to emmanuelmarlborough.org/christmas