IT’S that time of year when everyone is gearing up for Christmas and Sheila Harrod and her Kentwood Show Choir perform their Christmas Cracker at the Wyvern Theatre.

Two shows on Sunday evening brought together Kentwood and The Aldbourne Brass Band.

Graham Davidson-Smith opened the show with a powerful rendition of One God, with the ladies and gents of the choir joining him on stage to raise the roof and set the bar for the rest of the evening.

That was followed by one of my favourite Christmas songs, Saviour's Day.

As is the norm with this concert, audience participation was the order of the day and we all joined the singers and band to sing our first carol.

David Johnson was back this year to conduct the band and show a great personality on stage. He has a wonderful rapport with Sheila and they work as an excellent team.

The Youth Choir sang songs from the musical Sister Act, including Here Within These Walls. Now quite a small group of singers, they showed no less professionalism on stage.

Guests for the evening were the choir from The Open Door Centre and percussionist Phil Steventon, who both gave enjoyable performances. Sheila and her ladies and gents from the choir were raising money for the Open Door Centre on the night.

There was so much to enjoy in this concert – great singing, lots of sparkle and some great music from the band.

My Christmas starts here.

- ROS HOLLANDS