Not only was there some quality playing from a nearly 50-strong outfit, but some of the musicians also displayed other talents and MD Chris Binns kept everyone amused with his stand-up.

Trombone player Raymond Carruthers and clarinettist Christine Asquith did some Latin American dancing during The Golden Tango, cornet player Siobhan Jordan provided some illusions with her brother Michael as part of their Hi Jinx act and band member John Asquith conducted woodwind and female singers from within the band on Silent Night.

Seasonal favourites and participation carols were balanced by selections from the band's regular programme and there was a first public airing for Binns' Perspectives, featuring Sue Walker and George Thomas on trumpets.

He also re-scored Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah to suit the band's instrumentation and an old piece, which he renamed Another Midnight Clear.

Cockleshell Heroes was stirring, march and familiar melodies could be heard during Leroy Anderson's A Christmas Festival and Derek Ashmore's Christmas Swingalong.

Gordon Sampson