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YASS
Celebrating Scandinavian culture, language, and traditions
through social events, learning, and activities
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Sankta Lucia at York Minster
15th of December 2025
Partnership Opportunities
About Sankta Lucia
Sankta Lucia is one of Sweden’s most beloved traditions — a candlelit festival that celebrates light conquering darkness and marks the beginning of the Christmas season.
We invite you to be part of a magical Scandinavian tradition—Sankta Lucia in York Minster on 15th December 2025 at 7pm.
This is your opportunity to support this much loved service and connect with the Scandinavian community across the UK.
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Stunning York Minster
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Each December, Something magical happens in York ...
In the heart of the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe, the York Anglo-Scandinavian Society (YASS) — run entirely by volunteers — brings together extraordinary Swedish choirs and a sold-out audience of 1,400 for a candlelit celebration of Sankta Lucia at the magnificent York Minster.
Since 2013, a variety of Swedish choirs have travelled to York, often from Sweden, to perform this heart-warming and much loved service. In 2024, over 40 singers travelled from Stockholm and Lund to York at their own cost, except for a small contribution from YASS.
Many of the choristers describe the Sankta Lucia in York Minster as “the most atmospheric and special” of all their annual Lucia performances.
“We love singing in the awe-inspiring Minster — the acoustics, the candlelight, and the spirit of Christmas in York are unforgettable.”
For many who attend, this event is the highlight of the season:
“It truly is the service I look most forward to and never ceases to please... I don’t have the words for the peace and beauty I felt tonight — it buoys me up all year.”
This is more than a Service. It’s an annual tradition made possible by a dedicate, local Scandinavian community in York — and by partners who believe in something bigger than branding.
Help keep the light shining by becoming one of our Partners.
Why Partner with Us
Partnering with Sankta Lucia connects you to the Scandinavian community in the UK — while supporting a tradition that brings light and joy to thousands.
The Sankta Lucia service is free to attend — and that’s part of what makes it so special. But behind the scenes, it depends entirely on the generosity of our partners.
The York Anglo-Scandinavian Society contributes toward the cost of hosting the service at York Minster, as well as supporting travel and accommodation for the choir.
With no ticket income, financial support from willing partners is essential. Every contribution helps us keep this cherished tradition alive, accessible, and extraordinary.
About the York Anglo-Scandinavian Society
York Anglo-Scandinavian Society (often referred to as YASS) was founded in 1960 and our membership includes both native British and native Scandinavians resident temporarily or permanently in York.
The Society offers a full programme of meetings and lively discussions which enable members to share experiences and expand their knowledge of issues such as life, culture and geography of the Scandinavian countries.
YASS has organised Sankta Lucia services for its members in York since the late 1970s. In 2013, they formed a partnership with York Minster to host Sankta Lucia, making it possible to bring this most atmospheric celebration to more than a 1000 people each year. The magnificent York Minster is a perfect setting for this much loved service.
Our Story
Each December, York Minster fills with candlelight, music, and the powerful spirit of Nordic tradition. For 13 years, the York Anglo-Scandinavian Society has partnered with York Minster to host Sankta Lucia — a celebration of light.
This is more than a service. It’s an emotional experience that welcomes around 1,400 attendees each year, with thousands more joining via livestream. Lucia leads a candlelit procession with traditional Swedish songs performed in striking al cappello harmonies.
“Sankta Lucia is a celebration of light, hope, and togetherness during the darkest days of winter. We’re delighted to have made it one of the most popular and loved events in York Minster’s December calendar.”
— Pernilla Tweddle, Chair of the Lucia Planning Group, YASS
Your Audience
With 1,400 attendees and over 15,000 livestream viewers, your sponsorship ensures visibility at scale — locally, nationally, and globally.
Over the years, we have received incredible media coverage for the Sankta Lucia service across the world - from the Yorkshire Post to The New York Times and many other titles across the UK and continents around the world.
Your connection to the Lucia Service will be something to feel proud about.
Partnership Packages
We offer three partner packages tailored to businesses who want to be part of this special event:
£500 - £1,000 Bronze / Local
Partner
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5 reserved front section seats at York Minster
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Logo in printed Order of Service (1400 copies)
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Business name on the YASS website
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Invitation to the exclusive Glögg Reception at Merchant Taylors’ Hall
£1,500 Silver Partner
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8 reserved front section seats at York Minster
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Logo in printed Order of Service (1400 copies)
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Business name, logo and bio on the YASS website
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Invitation to the exclusive Glögg Reception at Merchant Taylors’ Hall
£2000 Gold Partner
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10 reserved front section seats at York Minster
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Logo in printed Order of Service (1400 copies)
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Business name, logo and bio on the YASS website
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Invitation to the exclusive Glögg Reception at
Merchant Taylors’ Hall -
Premium visibility across all touchpoints, positioned as Gold Partners.
Added benefits: Networking, Social media and PR
All packages offer the opportunity to be part of pre- and post-event communications reaching wide audiences across social media platforms and PR.
Attending the exclusive Glögg Reception offers a unique networking opportunity with event partners, members of the Guild to the City of York, the York Civic Party, representatives from the Swedish Embassy, York Minster officials, and the Lucia
Choir.
Words of thanks
"̍I’ve just got home from celebrating Sankta Lucia at the Minster (my 4th̀) and I wanted to give my sincerest thanks for this beautiful service. It truly is the event I look most forward to and never ceases to please. I don’t really have the words for the peace and beauty I felt when the choir sang tonight but it buoys me up all year. Please, please convey my thanks to them for taking the time to come to York and delight us."
Anna Reid,MBE
Clerk, The Company of Cordwainers of the City of York.
"̍Olga and I watched the service on live stream. It was magnificent. Thank you so much for all that you, and your
small band of helpers, have done to make it happen. Please tell Corus Pictor that they are the best in my opinion. In
my 14 years at the Minster no choir has ever been better. Just superb. Their singing moved me and made me happy. Many,
many thanks."
Steve Bielby
In the news...
The Guardian - Photo of the day
Further insight...
See clips from the 2024 Sankta Lucia service and hear from Pernilla Tweddle, Chair of the Lucia Planning Group, York Anglo- Scandinavian Society
How to Get Involved
Confirm your sponsorship by 10th October to be included in all event communications.
Help us continue this significant tradition that brings the very best of Sweden and Scandinavia to the north of England and beyond.
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Confirm Sponsorship: Select your package and secure your place.
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Get Featured: Be included in all materials and promotions.
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Contact Our Team:
Mats Nilsson: mats1971@me.com Mobile: 07768 000335
Pernilla Tweddle: pspernilla@gmail.com Mobile: 07595 438991
Thank You...Tack!
Photographs provides by Charlotte Graham photogrphy
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