Christmas Eve Jingle: What time is the doorstep bell ring this evening?

Boris Johnson has confirmed he will take part

(PA)

Thousands of people are set to take part in a national bell-ringing event to combat loneliness on Christmas Eve.

Organised by Mary Beggs-Reid from Harrogate, the event, titled the Christmas Eve Jingle, will take place at 6pm on 24 December as part of a wider campaign that was launched back in October to support those who might be suffering from loneliness during the pandemic.

The idea is that a nationwide ringing of bells will help to spread festive cheer.

In addition to encouraging people to ring bells (or bang saucepans) on their doorsteps, Mrs Beggs-Reid is encouraging people to “give someone a bell” if they are spending Christmas alone.

“After a tough year it would be an amazing memory for the kids and communities,” reads the event description on Facebook. “End 2020 with a bit of Magic, hope and togetherness!”

Speaking to PA, Mrs Beggs-Reid said: “We've got nearly half a million on the Facebook group, but so many people say they've delivered the idea to hundreds of their neighbours that aren't on social media, so I think we're now probably in our millions doing it all across the UK.”

The estate manager went on to say how the event has acquired more significance in light of the recently imposed Christmas restrictions, which prohibit many people from spending the period with friends and family members.

“With the recent news, this is more needed now than ever,” she said. "It was just a simple bell-ring to start with but it's evolved into so much more, so that for two minutes on Christmas Eve nobody feels alone."

Mrs Beggs-Reid has been contacted by Boris Johnson due to the event, with the prime minister confirming that he and his fiance, Carrie Symonds, will take part. 

Mr Johnson phoned Mrs Briggs-Reid to discuss the event on Tuesday.

“It's unbelievable to be speaking to him,” she said of the call.

“We didn't even think we'd get our street, our town, maybe Harrogate at best, so to get the prime minister as well doing it is just wonderful.”

You can find out more about The Christmas Eve Jingle event here.