The audience at St Nicholas Chapel was treated to performances by around 200 students from all the 11 West Norfolk schools, including ours, which make up the academy. Among the guests was The Rev Canon Dr Mark Dimond, team rector at the town’s Minster.

Parents, staff, students and the wider community all enjoyed the event held in the largest chapel in England which is a popular venue thanks to its acoustic qualities.

“The evening was a huge success,” said Robin Norman, WNAT Muscial director.

“I am thrilled that we were able to celebrate the magic of Christmas with so many people, and we look forward to the event in 2024, it is now a regular date in the Trust calendar,” he added.

The service was started by the trust after parents had asked if anybody held a traditional event they could attend. The first community carol concert was based on the lessons and carols at King’s College, Cambridge, which is televised each year on Christmas Eve.

All the schools taking part gave a selection of carols, readings and Christmas songs. The students were from Springwood High, Smithdon High, Marshland High, St Clement’s High, Heacham Infants, Heacham Junior, Snettisham Primary, Walpole Cross Keys Primary, Clenchwarton Primary, West Lynn and Gaywood primary schools.