WORSHIPPERS across our diocese are preparing to use illuminated stars to make an impact this Christmas.

They've placed stars on the top and sides of their buildings to light the way into church for carol services and Christmas events. And Friday night (Dec 21) is designed to be the Night of the Stars, when these illuminated stars are all switched on.

It's all part of the national Church of England's #FollowTheStar campaign, which is encouraging people to attend church services to remember the birth of Jesus. 

The Archbishop of Canterbury is launching Night of the Stars on Friday with a spectacular light show onto the south side of Canterbury Cathedral. At Durham Cathedral, a light show will be beamed onto the north transept of the cathedral. Both events will be supported by robed clergy and the cathedrals' choirs, who will lead hundreds of people in carol singing.

Meanwhile, back in our diocese, illuminated stars will welcome people into Christmas carol services and events over the weekend and on Christmas Eve.

Worshippers have erected a giant star on top of the lych gate in front of Christ Church, Totland Bay, on the Isle of Wight. It will be lit to guide worshippers into its Carols by Candlelight service at 6pm on Sunday (Dec 23) and to its Crib Service at 4pm on Christmas Eve. More details here.

And the congregation at Hart Plain Church near Waterlooville, have put their star on the outside of the church building. It will light the way towards the church's Family Crib Service at 4pm on Christmas Eve, and its Midnight Mass at 11pm the same night. More details here.

The star outside St Jude's Church, Southsea, will guide people into the building for Friday Fridge - the spiritual chill-out that takes place most Friday nights there. They welcome all-comers with bacon sandwiches, coffee, prayer points and late-night chat.

This Friday night is its Christmas carols special, from 9pm-11.30pm. Visitors can request to sing their favourite carol, and free mince pies and other food and drink will be available.

For more information about the Night of the Stars, click here. To find your nearest carol service or Christmas service, enter your postcode on the A Church Near You website here.