GLOWING praise has been heaped upon Wycombe's annual Festival of Carols, which delighted audiences at the Swan Theatre over the weekend.

The annual event, presented by Wycombe's Mayor and Charter Trustees, has already raised £2,500 for charity, with more cash still to come.

The Reverend Gregory Hargrove, who visited the concert, paid tribute to the “superb singing” and “excellent playing” at the event.

He said: “For many of us, Christmas begins with this annual Festival.”

The Festival of Carols was held on Sunday at 4.30pm and again at 8pm, with The Marlow Town Band performing 15 minutes before each show.

Mayor of High Wycombe, Cllr Paul Lambourne said: “What a wonderful start to Christmas.

“I would like to thank everyone who supported us and came to the two festival performances. I would also like to thank Jane Crompton, who organised the concerts, and thank the band and the choirs. I would like to take the opportunity to wish everyone a happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.”

Choirs from The Downley School, Highcrest Community School,and High Wycombe C of E school all took part in the festive event.

Other choirs included Wycombe Philharmonic, Wycombe Orpheus Male Voice, St Wulstan's Church, High Wycombe Music Centre Youth, and All Saints Church.

Collections were made at the end of the festival for contributions to this year's mayor's appeal, which is raising money for the South Bucks Hospice. So far around £2,500 has been raised through bucket collections, with more to come later.