ARE you ready to get into the festive spirit?

The annual 'Carols Under the Arch' service in Abersychan is back for 2023, hosted by Noddfa Church and its Pastor John Funnell. 

The event regularly has thousands attending - even during the coronavirus pandemic more than 15,000 people watched online. 

The promotional video posted to Facebook for this year's event has already been viewed more than 20,000 times. 

In a bid to give something back to the community, the service raises money for the Dan Jones Charity, known as Torfaen Mind, which provides vital counselling for men considering suicide.

Many who attend believe the event "literally saves lives". 

Noddfa Church Pastor John Funnell said: "It is a joy to organise this very special community event that brings light into the darkest of places.

“The Big Arch is an iconic structure that unites our valley, a perfect venue that offers a place of welcome and belonging to all, in the same way Noddfa Church does throughout the year."

One of the other organisers of the event is Cllr Giles Davies, who added: "This is an important opportunity to bring the community together at Christmas. The arch is a fantastic place to do it, the sound's just fantastic. 

"We've been very successful and it's a lovely time for the community, even during the pandemic. We look forward to putting the event together every year, and we hope this year will be bigger and better than ever." 

The event regularly has some local big names take part, and this year is no exception. 

This year, MP for Torfaen, Nick Thomas-Symonds will complete a reading and former Welsh rugby union player Byron Hayward will be speaking. 

As always, there will a brass band for entertainment, and hot chocolate and food for people to enjoy while singing festive carols. 

The service will take place on Sunday, December 17 from 7-8pm under the Arch in Abersychan.