’Tis the season to be jolly and these festive school children are certainly helping the cause.

More than 1,200 primary school children from Brighton and Hove sang their hearts out in a massed concert yesterday (December 3).

A total of 37 different schools gathered at the Brighton Centre to take part in the annual event hosted by Brighton and Hove Music and Arts.

Makaton, a language and communication programme that uses hand gestures and symbols to help people talk, was also used for the first time in the concert’s history.

The performers sang a variety of Christmas favourites as well as two songs written by some of the children and composer James Redwood.

Phelim MacCafferty, chair of Brighton and Hove Music Trust, said: “It’s a marvellous occasion and a fitting start to the season.

Charity fundraising

“Our young people have shown us how to get into the mood and for the first time the massed choir used Makaton signing that plays a vital role in helping the city’s children improve their language and literacy skills.

“Anyone interested in singing should make contact with our music and arts service which offers a range of classes and groups for people at all levels.”

Organisers of the event pledged their support for The Argus Appeal – our charity fundraising initiative which aims to raise at least £200,000 each year for those in need.

The music and arts service offers a wide range of classes and groups including contemporary vocal groups, singing lessons in schools, infant, junior and youth choirs, vocal techniques and music theatre.

For more information visit www.bhma.org.uk See The Argus gallery of pictures from yesterday’s performance in the photos section of the website.

Individual photos can be purchased by visiting theargusandleaderseries.newsprints.co.uk or phoning 01273 544 544.

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