Hotel Phoenicia came alive with carol singers, live music, roasting chestnuts, mulled wine and hundreds of supporters and passers-by for the 5-star hotel’s annual tradition of free festive fun for residents, visitors and anyone interested in enjoying good company and a well-rehearsed choir. On a cold winter evening, the night was brought to life by the eager young singers while passers-by were treated to free warmed mulled wine and fresh roast chestnuts.

The choir from the School of Performing Arts conducted by Veronica de Gabriele and coached by Maltese soprano star Gillian Zammit kept everyone warmed and merry with their beautiful singing voices. With rehearsals since October the beautifully dressed choir belted out some of the most popular carols to sustained applause by an appreciative crowd. Gillian Zammit has been the director of the Joseph Calleja HSBC Children's Choir for the past 3 years, and the high standard of the performance was widely commented upon by the throngs of well-wishers and others crowding the pavement and gardens in front of Hotel Phoenicia.

Phoenicia guest and leading Polish entrepreneur, Wojtek Szala said, “What an incredible atmosphere. There’s so much joy. This is what Christmas should always be. A celebration of life. I am so happy that we were able to participate in this annual tradition, I am quite sure that we will return next year for some more famed Maltese hospitality. The children were wonderful.”

Get into the Christmas spirit by soaking up the sparkling atmosphere at Phoenicia, for more information, visit www.phoeniciamalta.com and on facebook.com/PhoeniciaHotel