As the countdown to Christmas begins, new details about Princess Kate’s upcoming carol service have finally been revealed. The beloved Together at Christmas event will once again take place at Westminster Abbey this Friday, December 5, and viewers will be able to watch it on ITV on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. This fifth edition promises something especially heartfelt, with the entire service built around the theme of love in all its forms.

Readings inspired by this theme will be shared by familiar faces, including Prince William, Kate Winslet, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Babatunde Aléshé and Joe Locke. Their voices will be woven into a programme that blends storytelling, reflection and music in the cosy, candlelit atmosphere that has come to define Kate’s Christmas celebration.

A musical line up that sets the tone

This year’s performers bring a wonderfully warm mix of voices. Hannah Waddingham, Dan Smith, Griff, Katie Melua and the Cornish folk group Fisherman’s Friends will all take the stage, alongside young talent from Platinum Performing Arts in North London. The Princess of Wales is also expected to invite several inspiring individuals she has met throughout the year to help light candles during the service, a tradition that highlights the human stories at the heart of the event.

To welcome guests, award winning horticulturist Jamie Butterworth has been enlisted to create a festive outdoor display around Westminster Abbey. The Royal Horticultural Society will add to the atmosphere with wreaths crafted by young people and ambassadors such as Mary Berry. And beyond London, fifteen community carol services will take place across the UK, supported by the Royal Foundation.

A gentle tribute woven into the evening

This year’s service will also include a tribute to the Duchess of Kent, who passed away in September. After stepping back from royal duties, she spent years teaching music at a primary school in Kingston upon Hull, where children fondly knew her simply as Mrs Kent. Before guests enter the Abbey, they will be greeted by young brass musicians from Future Talent, the charity she co founded to help nurture young performers from low income backgrounds.

Around 1,600 people are expected inside the Abbey, with several members of the royal family likely to attend. Zara and Mike Tindall have already confirmed their presence with their children, while others are expected but not yet officially listed.

Together at Christmas will air on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Eve, with a repeat showing on Christmas Day, offering families across the country a chance to share in the music, reflection and gentle warmth of the celebration.