Distinguished TV producers, authors and historians will be among the special guests giving readings at a carol service on Sunday.
Literary prize winner Dr Andrea Stuart, journalist Richard Dowden, senior research fellow Dr Susan Williams and film producers Carolyn Choa and Timothy Bricknell will take part in the annual Nine Lessons and Carols event at Barking’s St Margaret’s Church.
Cllr Eileen Keller, the borough’s mayor, will also be joining in the festivities in Abbey Green.
Bishop Trevor Mwamba said: “It’s a unique gathering of readers.
“They’re all friends of mine, I know all of them personally and what I thought was ‘why not invite some of my friends to come and read’?”
The free service will start at 6.30pm and is open to the whole community.
Seats can be reserved by calling 020 8594 2932.
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