Carols in a Cave

Helmet and head torch is required kit. Wellies are recommended and caving suit is suggested as it could be quite cold. Unfortunately, it's not possible to borrow kit from the organisers, so perhaps ask your friends nicely? You could also bring your own mulled cider/cocoa, snacks, cake, or mince pies to share.

No - Basecamp Chamber is a large, comfortable space that's perfect for groups. It's about the size of a living room with a high ceiling, so you can stand up and move around easily. There's no crawling required to get there, and the passage leading to it is wide and walking-height. It's very pleasant, spacious, and safe.

Everyone is welcome! You don't need any membership or to be part of any specific group. Even if you don't know us well, the more the merrier!

Yes, 130yros should swerve this one. But honestly, if you can walk up two flights of stairs, and have the required kit - then you're welcome. Young or old, you'll be fine.

Yes, you need to sign up so we know to expect you. If you've never been to Giants Hole before, please message Tim in advance - we'll arrange to meet you and guide you to Basecamp Chamber. Please aim to arrive by 6:00pm to get kitted up. The event starts at 6:30pm, and we'll leave the carpark at 6:20pm. There's no signal underground, so pre-arranging is important!

If you need to cancel, message on Facebook Messenger.

The event itself is free, but there's a £3 cave access fee (cash only, no change available). You should bring your own drinks (mulled cider/cocoa) and festive snacks to share (cake, mince pies etc).

Yes - we'll not be leaving any rubbish and we'll leave the cave better than we found it. If you bring candles or lanterns, please make sure to take them home with you. And we'll not be going down Garlands, and doing a big explore at the same time. This is a chill carol singing event - not a poorly equipped trip to East Canal.

There'll be a certain atmosphere - but it'll be memorable.

Yes, there's grassy parking about 300m from the cave entrance. Drive off the main road, through a gate (which has a "please shut the gate" sign), and follow the track down to where other cars will be parked. You can find it here: parking location

Maybe - see if you know anyone who's likely going and ask them for a lift

Yes, you're accepting and agreeing to this participation statement "The BCA recognises that caving, cave diving and mine exploration are activities with a danger of personal injury or death. Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement."

No, it's not a Caving Crew event, it's an event run personally by Tim Dobson.

No obviously not. Why would you even ask such a thing?

Please do! Bear in mind it could be reasonably damp, so choose wisely from your selection. Double Bass and Euphonium players are not recommended to bring their instruments - but it would be really funny!

You can download the carol service program and lyrics PDF from the prominent download button at the top of this page. It contains all the carols we'll be singing plus the order of service.