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Night 18 saw the event visit Thamesfield Retirement Village for the first time. In their beautiful gardens, beautifully lit by Hugh Legh, and with the Thames as the backdrop, the rain throughout failed to dampen the spirits of the audience who had made their way over the bridge.

Armed with umbrellas on the drive, they were treated to a traditional set by the Glass Ensemble, performing from a marquee on the lawn. Before they started however, Santa and Mrs. Claus (aka David Eggleton and Eva Ricketts) arrived on a boat on a trailer, towed by an Oxfordshire Lowland Search & Rescue Recovery vehicle, with the nights raffle prizes in Santa's sack. The night was a fundraiser for Oxsar.

The choir's set included Ding Dong Merrily on High, Carol of the Bells and Silent Night, and the audience were given song sheets to heartily join in with Good King Wenceslas, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, and Once in Royal David’s City. The highlight for the evening was the rousing Jingle Bell with the audience by now having joined the choir in the marquee, escaping from the rain, and adding to the sense of occasion.

Next up, night #19 at Delegate House.