Andrew Reynolds, Chair of the Eastern City BID (EC BID), will switch on the Christmas tree lights at St Helen’s Bishopsgate, on Tuesday 6 December at 5.30pm.

St Helen’s Bishopsgate is an historic church in the heart of the City of London, providing a welcoming space to all City workers throughout the week, tens of thousands of whom have attended the weekly lunchtime talk at the church since the 1960s.

To mark the big switch on, there will be carolling and festive treats on offer, followed by a free evening carol service starting at 7.30pm.

Andrew Reynolds said: “I am delighted to light up our Christmas tree at St Helen’s Church – a symbol of strength and resilience in the heart of the City of London. St Helen’s Bishopsgate, which has stood strong since the 12th century, is the perfect symbol of resilience as one of only a few City churches to survive the Great Fire of London and the Blitz. For this reason, it seemed fitting to host our first Christmas tree switch on at St Helen’s Bishopsgate”

William Taylor, Rector of St Helen’s Bishopsgate, commented: “At the end of another year full of uncertainty and challenge, we are inviting all City workers to join us over this Christmas period to hear of the certain peace that Jesus offers us.”

St Helen’s Bishopsgate is open to all. There are events throughout the Christmas period for local City workers, with lunchtime carol services on Tuesday 13 and 20 December and an insurance-industry lunchtime carol service on Thursday 8 December. The Christmas Day service will be held at 10.30am on Sunday 25 December.