IS there a better way to get in the mood for Christmas?

This annual visit by Worcester Cathedral Choir, organised by the Classical Music Society, provides a rich fare and always gives us an early chance to sing some traditional carols.

The evening was its usual mix of serious music with a topping of fun and audience participation and there was even a touch of calypso.

Director Adrian Lucas could even be the choral version of Manchester United's Alex Ferguson just when you think his charges have reached their pinnacle, he coaxes them to new heights.

This 13th visit to Kidderminster set a new standard of quality and there was also an unexpected violin first.

Oxford graduate Rufus Frowde, an organ scholar at Worcester Cathedral, gave a beautiful performance of a piece by William Lloyd-Webber, accompanied by organist Daniel Phillips.

Another unexpected event was less welcome.

As the choir warmed to its performance of the Magnificat, the town hall fire alarm was set off by hooligan passers-by but in true Manchester United style, such foul play did not put the choristers out of their stride and they quickly picked up where they had left off.

CSJ