Worcester Cathedral has launched a Christmas appeal ahead of its packed Christmas programme.
The appeal is designed to help with the upkeep and mission of the cathedral, which has said that it is facing financial hardship.
The Very Revd Dr Stephen Edwards, Dean of Worcester, said: "It is my privilege and joy to invite you and your loved ones to the Cathedral for our rich programme of Christmas celebrations and worship.
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"This Christmas will be extremely important to me, as it will be my first as Dean of Worcester.
"It is a huge honour to have been appointed to this responsibility – and I believe that this coincides with a renewed sense of hope and opportunity for us all."
He added that he wants the cathedral to be at the heart of the community's celebrations.
He said: "This wonderful, iconic building can be both a calm, warm, safe space for those who are struggling and a joyous house of life-affirming Christian celebration."
The cathedral will host a range of events throughout December, including the Christmas Tree Festival, the Christmas Eve Crib Services which feature real donkeys and sheep, a concert featuring world-class music, midnight mass, and the Shoppers’ Carols.
The celebrations will begin with the Advent service on Sunday, December 1 and continue until the Epiphany carol service on Sunday, January 12.
The Dean said: "If the cathedral has been a part of your family Christmas for many years – please do come again.
"But if you have not yet had the chance to visit this wonderful place – please make this Christmas your first time.
"You will all be welcomed as friends."
The Dean also encouraged people to write prayers and messages on tags to be displayed on the cathedral's Christmas tree.
The theme this year is 'Peace and Joy'.
He asked for people to donate what they can to help with the upkeep of the cathedral.
The Dean said: "In a time when many local families are struggling, the cathedral is one of the very few places that is completely free to visit.
"Your support will help us to pay for the increasingly challenging costs of keeping this magnificent building open over Christmas."
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