The Abbey Brass Ensemble were the surprise act at the Henley Living Advent Calendar on Wednesday evening.

Each night of the calendar is at a different location across the town and we were delighted to be performing at the prestigious Leander Club.

Our talented musicians played Christmas classics from ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing’ to ‘Silent Night’ while guests sang along enjoying mulled wine and mince pies.

The calendar is based on an original idea from Stockholm, all to raise money for local charities. Like a children’s advent calendar, a different door is ‘opened’ each night and a performance is given to the assembled audience.

There was a magical atmosphere with the combination of the festive joy of brass music, surrounded by the sense of history of Leander Club. As the most successful single sport club in the world, their rowers have achieved an amazing 159 Olympic and Paralympic medals since 1908.

With two Abbey students achieving GB rowing vests this summer, maybe their names will be on Leander’s walls in the future…

After a rousing finale of ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’ the ensemble concluded to a wonderful round of applause. It was a pleasure to be part of such a wonderful community event which raised £11,000 for local charities last year.