HEXHAM Abbey will once again mark Sankta Lucia this year, a Swedish festival that celebrates the triumph of light over the winter darkness.

On Saturday, December 3, singers from the renowned London Nordic Choir will perform traditional Scandinavian-inspired seasonal songs followed by the traditional Sankta Lucia performance in which Lucia processes around the darkened Abbey wearing a crown of candles.

She is followed by the rest of the choir dressed in white gowns, carrying candles, and singing traditional Swedish songs.

Hexham is the only venue in the North of England to host the London Nordic Choir for the event, which is also part of the Festival of Flame taking place in the town that weekend.

The Abbey first celebrated Sankta Lucia in 2017. For three years in a row, the event was a sell-out, with visitors from across the county attending, as well as from Newcastle, Cumbria and the Scottish Borders.

It has been unable to go ahead for three years due financial uncertainty and the Covid-19 pandemic.

Now starting again, Sankta Lucia, supported by Hexham Town Council, Northumberland County Council, Queen’s Hall Theatre and Hexham Community Partnership, will take place on Saturday, December 3 at 7pm.

Tickets are on sale now from the Queen's Hall, in person or online. General tickets cost £7.50 and children under 12 go free.

Reception tickets, which includes a post-performance glass of glögg and a cinnamon bun, are £12.50 and £5 for under 12s.

Seating is unreserved.