The UK’s leading funeral provider, Co-op Funeralcare, has welcomed the government’s announcement that places of worship can reopen for prayer and services from July 4th.
But whilst restrictions have started to ease, not every aspect of a funeral is returning to normal. The much-loved tradition of singing in places of worship has been banned due to the risk of spreading Coronavirus.
Co-op Funeralcare is advising that people find pre-recorded versions of their favourite hymns to play at funeral services where the venue permits.
Since 2002, the organisation has been compiling the nations’ top funeral music charts. And the UK’s current top ten hymns have been identified through a combination of data and insight from Co-op’s funeral colleagues, who conduct up to 100,000 funerals every year:
The UK’s most popular hymns
Abide with Me
All Things Bright and Beautiful
The Lord is My Shepherd
How Great Tho Art
Amazing Grace
Jerusalem
Morning Has Broken
Old Rugged Cross
The Day Thou Gavest
Calon Lan
David Collingwood, Director of Funerals at Co-op Funeralcare, says:
“Hymns offer people comfort and can really help bring people together at a time of sadness.
Just being able to listen to hymns during services, where the venue permits, helps people feel connected, especially at a time when we’re socially distant and not allowed to embrace one another.
Finding the right music to play at a funeral can really make a difference and help to unify us, which is needed now more than ever.”
Co-op Funeralcare is also advising that families speak to their funeral directors to find out what technology and services could be available to them.
David adds: “Technology is transforming funerals. Webcasted services have and will become the norm, which will allow more people to be involved in future services.
We work closely with crematoria and third-party providers to make sure that families receive the best advice and have access to live streaming facilities. It really helps communities feel part of their loved one’s funeral, even if they can’t physically be there.”
