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An ensemble collection of dozens of children from the Henley Music School took to the stage at the 16^th night of the 2015, providing the largest cast of performers the Henley Living Advent Calendar has seen to date.

The audience of approximately 160 gathered in the foyer of the museum, treated to mince pies, mulled wine and hot chocolate by resident partners the Quince Tree. After Mr. Toad made an appearance to greet the younger audience members, Richard Rodway welcomed the crowd and invited them to follow him through the Wind in the Willows exhibit, where flutists from the Henley Music School awaited, before leading the audience upstairs to where a makeshift stage and 180 degree viewing area awaited.

Partner for the evening Niki Schafer (Niki Schafer Interior Design) introduced the charity for the evening, the River & Rowing Museum charity, before welcoming the Henley Music School to the stage.

Led by School founder Laura Reineke, a proverbial conveyor belt of different ensembles then treated the audience to some festive classics, starting and culminating with a brass ensemble performing “Jingle Bells” and a reworking Wham’s “Last Christmas”, via a string rendition of “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” and a guitar group performing “Silent Night” amongst others.

Richard Rodway and Niki Schafer then presided over the raffle, with Niki’s birthday girl daughter picking out the lucky winning tickets, with prizes kindly donated by Niki Schafer and Helen Maynard of the Henley Photoschool, who was also on hand throughout the evening to take some great photos of the event. For more of those click here.
Next up, and the Living Advent returns to the Town Hall, where Knight Frank will be partnering for opening of the 17^th Advent door.