Call me old-fashioned but there's nothing quite like a carol concert to get you in the festive mood.

Although this benefit show by the Sussex Symphony Orchestra for The Martlets Hospice wasn't an all-out jingle fest (in that you could only join in with some set-pieces), it still rang all the right bells, with an array of seasonal favourites which had the audience humming and tapping along.

My only minor gripe, on what was otherwise an uplifting and enjoyable evening, was some of the arrangements seemed overly complicated.

The most memorable pieces were simple and unadorned such as the beautifully sung Once In Royal David's City, which was delivered to great effect by a young soprano on a balcony.

Set in the impressive surroundings of what is purportedly Europe's tallest church on perhaps one of the year's coldest nights, this was an atmospheric and Christmassy event, fully appreciated by a packed crowd.

Although, judging by the chattering teeth of my fellow audience, the hot refreshments served in the school next door during the interval were a timely touch of pre-arranged genius which gave you just enough time to thaw out in time for the finale.