At 4.30pm today, the Abingdon Rock Choir were joined by members of other local Rock Choirs for a Christmas concert in the Market Place. A good crowd gathered despite the cold, stopping to watch, listen, and at times clap and sing along to familiar rock songs.

The event raised money for the Abingdon-based charity Against Breast Cancer, which funds research to support life-saving research for people living with secondary spread, the main cause of breast cancer related deaths. Donations were taken throughout the performance. Money was also raised through the sale of mince pies and mulled wine, and the generosity of sponsors.

The Rock Choir have performed at Against Breast Cancer’s summer market place events, but this was their first Christmas concert here. Judging by the success of the event, it may well become the first of many.

Away from the music, nearby stalls added to the atmosphere. On one stall, Arlo attracted plenty of interest by selling swords, axolotls and a range of other articulated objects.

The hour-long concert ended with a rendition of Merry Christmas Everyone, after which the combined choirs gathered in the Market Place for a group photograph.