Forty years on from its humble beginnings the Thursford Christmas Spectacular is as appealing and popular as it's ever been.
This year's run began with a superb opening show on Thursday afternoon.
With a fine orchestra, brilliant singers, top class musicians and extravagant lighting and costumes, no expense is spared in bringing the magic of Christmas to the audience.
The Thursford Christmas Spectacular began as a carol concert in front of 500 people. It now attracts more than 100,000 visitors a year and is reported to be worth £10m to the local economy.
The three-hour show is as charming and wonderful as the Thursford story itself.
A powerful rendition of Creedence Clearwater Revival's Proud Mary, early in the show, got people in the party mood. Other highlights included a guitar solo of Elvis Presley's Always on My Mind, a rendition of Lonely This Christmas and a big showpiece performance of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah.
It's great to see in this modern world how a show like the Thursford Christmas Spectacular continues to thrive.
The show runs twice a day, at 2pm and 7pm, until December 23. ADAM LAZZARI.
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