Michael Morpurgo and Barbara Dickson announced as Carol Service special guests

Michael Morpurgo

Michael Morpurgo is the former Children’s Laureate and best-selling author of over 150 books, including Private Peaceful, Kensuke’s Kingdom, The Butterfly Lion, and War Horse which was published 40 years ago this year.

In 1976, Michael and his wife, Clare, started the charity Farms for City Children which offers children and teachers from urban primary schools the chance to live and work in the countryside for a week and gain hands-on experience.

Michael received a Knighthood in 2018 for services to literature and charity.

Michael will give a reading at this year’s carol concert from his book Best Christmas Present in the World, a moving tale from the miraculous Christmas Truce of 1914.

Barbara Dickson

Barbara Dickson is a multi-million-selling recording artist and Olivier Award-winning actress.

Across a career spanning five decades, Barbara has achieved an astonishing 17 gold and platinum albums. Barbara is Scotland’s biggest-selling female singer of all time.

As well as her highly successful singing career, Barbara has appeared in numerous stage and screen productions, winning two Olivier Awards for her performances.

Barbara was awarded an OBE in 2002 for services to Music and Drama.

Barbara will be performing a very special version of the traditional Scottish tune, MacCrimmon’s Lament.