Nativity plays and door-to-door carol singing can go ahead post-lockdown

Nativity plays and door-to-door carol singing have been given the go ahead once lockdown ends in England.

Conservative MP Andrew Selous, who speaks on behalf of the Church of England in the House of Commons, suggested that carol singing will be allowed as long as performers are socially distanced and outdoors.

Places of worship reopening

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Mr Selous, who was speaking during church commissioners' questions, told the Commons that from 2 December places of worship in England can reopen for public worship, allowing churches and cathedrals to approach Advent and Christmas “with certainty”.

He added: “Clergy have already demonstrated that they’ve made their buildings Covid-secure and many cathedrals and churches are planning to have multiple services to accommodate more people as less are allowed in each service.”

Indoor singing is still limited to performers only, but once lockdown is finished, performers will be able to take part in outdoor and door-to-door singing, keeping two metres apart to align with social distancing.

The performing arts guidance also permits nativity plays for under-18s.

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Earlier in the week, ministers faced pressure from church leaders to reopen places of worship for Christmas services.

Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove and Robrt Jenrick, were handed a Faith Task Force dossier, titled Keeping Public Worship Safe For The Future.

The dossier highlighted how safety measures worked successfully in places of worship after they reopened following the first lockdown and before they closed for services for the second lockdown.