HOW long does it take for something to become tradition? It is only a few years since the Queen Katherine School Christmas Concert moved to Kendal Parish Church, and yet it must seem for many of those who have connections with the school as if this is now part of local festivities: almost, for some, becoming the first rite of Christmas.

Once again, the content and performers did not disappoint.

Pleasures were many and varied: the quality of the chamber choir, who started and closed proceedings, the energy and precision of the stage band, and the sheer pleasure, for some of us who do not normally get the opportunity of doing so, of singing accompanied by a full orchestra.

Another is the pleasure of the unexpected - this year it was the junior choir's rendition of A Winter's Tale, sung, the last time I heard it, by David Essex.

Of special note also was the quality of the brass and woodwind playing both solo and as part of the various ensembles.

It is to be hoped this event does become a long-standing tradition, adding greatly to local festivities.

JN