For the second year running, visitors to Valletta passing in front of Le Méridien Phoenicia were surprised by the distribution of free roasted chestnuts and homemade mulled wine.

A number of passers-by took a break to enjoy the Christmas carol singing by the Drama Troupe Children’s Choir. Thirty children aged between six and nine, all from Chiswick House School’s choir, sang innovative Christmas carols from the vast repertoire together with older students who performed solo.

This is likely to become a popular tradition and for next year other schools will be invited to try and extend this event from two days to a full week.