The service officially commenced with the choir conducted by Mrs Baskerville (Head of Choral Music), singing Once In Royal David’s City, featuring soloists from Harry (Y9) and Nimal (Y8).

Mr Soper (Foundation Chaplin) then provided some opening prayers, prior to the first few lessons been read out by numerous Warwick students. The next congregational carols were O Little Town Of Bethlehem and It Came Upon The Midnight Clear with further lessons delivered in between.

Chamber Choir then sung a beautiful rendition of Ríu Ríu Chíu, a Spanish villancico that has attained some contemporary fame as a carol. Soloists included Theo (Y11), Tommy (L6th) and Owen, Oliver and Noah (U6th).

Warwick’s elite Brass & Percussion ensemble directed by Mr Tibbitts (Head of Brass) heralded the arrival of O Come All Ye Faithful and Hark The Herald Angels Sing by performing the infamous and challenging Willcocks fanfares, which sounded absolutely magnificent in St Marys. There is always something special about Brass at Christmas time, which certainly added an extra special musical dimension making the carols sound suitably festive, colourful and loud!