About the service
The annual carol service is the trust's only church-based event of the year, and it is the closest thing we have to a public service of thanks. It has been held on the Sunday before Christmas, broadly without interruption, since 1923; the choir is drawn from the parish, the readings from the trustees and the Sunday Doors register, and the address is given by the chair of trustees, the Rev. Nigel Atkinson.
The service usually lasts about an hour and ten minutes. There are nine carols, three readings, an address, and the offertory. We finish with a single verse of Silent Night, unaccompanied. Mince pies and mulled wine are served afterwards in the parish room.
What to bring
- Warm layers. The nave of St John's is heated, but not extravagantly; coats are kept on.
- A small donation, if you can — anything left in the offertory plate at the door goes wholly to the Winter Coal Fund. The 2025 service raised £314.
- Children. The service is suitable for all ages; there is a quiet corner at the back of the south aisle for any who need it.
- A torch, if you are walking home through Tatton Park's south gate. The lane back to Mobberley Road is unlit beyond the church wall.
Accessibility
The south porch is the main entrance, with a single shallow step. Step-free entry is via the King Street side gate; please ring at the rear vestry door and a steward will admit you. There is a wheelchair-friendly pew at the front of the north aisle reserved on request. The font end of the church has level access to a single accessible toilet.
A large-print Order of Service is available; please ask a steward at the door. The service is broadcast in the south aisle through a small loop system; the volume can be adjusted on request.
The church is not in itself a quiet space — there are candles, children, an organ — but a quiet corner is set up at the back of the south aisle for any who would like to sit a little apart. The Sunday Doors befrienders are present throughout the service and will accompany anyone who needs help during or afterwards.
Getting there
St John's stands at the top of King Street, opposite the Royal George Hotel. Knutsford railway station is a fifteen-minute walk up Adam's Hill; the last train back to Manchester Piccadilly is at 22.07. The 88 bus from Altrincham stops at the Cross opposite the church up until 19.00; afterwards, taxis can be ordered from the rank on King Street.
Parking is on the street, free after 18.00, with disabled spaces in the small layby opposite the south porch. There is no church car park.
Reserve a seat
Reserving is not required, but it helps the stewards prepare the right number of orders of service and mince pies. Please use the short form below — we will write back within the week.