OUR cathedral’s Midnight Mass was broadcast live on BBC1, allowing Portsmouth worshippers to herald the arrival of Christmas Day.

The Eucharistic service was led by the Dean of Portsmouth, the Very Rev Anthony Cane and Bishop Jonathan preached a sermon which took as its inspiration his Boxing Day trips to watch football matches.

Portsmouth Cathedral Choir led the singing, and gave the TV premiere of the Church of England's Christmas single – a new version of the carol The First Nowell by renowned composer Bob Chilcott. They were joined by musicians from the Band of HM Royal Marines, who provided brass fanfares and drums.

The BBC’s broadcast vans had been parked outside our cathedral for several days, as the planning and rehearsals for the live broadcast took place in the week leading up to Christmas. Extra lighting and microphones had been placed inside the building while its three candlelit services took place on December 21, 22 and 23, and while it Crib Services took place earlier on Christmas Eve.

Worshippers queued patiently outside the cathedral, and were in place for a rehearsal of some of the carols before the cameras starting rolling. The service began with Bishop Jonathan placing the figure of the Christ-child in the crib while the choir sang Once in Royal David’s City.

And Bishop Jonathan spoke to those watching at home, drawing viewers in to consider the mystery of the incarnation, a God made flesh in order to become the Saviour of the world. You can watch the entire service on the BBC’s iPlayer here.