UK-based Scandinavians gathered in York Minster on Friday evening to celebrate “Sankta Lucia” or St Lucy’s Day.

St Lucy was martyred for her Christianity in Sicily in the fourth century, and in northern Europe her festival celebrates the bringing of light during the darkness of winter.

Sankta Lucia service in Yorkminster
Sankta Lucia – or St Lucy – was martyred in Sicily in the fourth century (Danny Lawson/ PA)

The Chorus Pictor and Friends provided the music while one of its members – Matilda Bergstrom – led the procession through the nave representing St Lucy.

She wore a crown of candles to symbolise a halo.

The choir wore red sashes over their robes to symbolise the martyr’s blood.