The Mayor of St Albans hosted a traditional Christmas carol concert in the city on Sunday.

Residents were invited to join the city’s Mayor Annie Brewster at the concert which took place beside the War Memorial at the top of St Peter’s Street.

Gareth Gates and other stars from the Alban Arena pantomime, Cinderella, took a break from their rehearsals to help the mayor prepare for the event, but were not be able to sing at the concert due to their own Sunday matinee performance at the Alban Arena.

The Mayor of St Albans said: "The heavens opened during the opening address and the experience felt like a scene from the film 'Singing In the Rain'. 

"Well done to everyone for being very British and carrying on with great humour and enormous Christmas spirit to support Rennie Grove Hospice Care particularly the drenched St Albans City Band and all the St Peter's Choristers who were standing in ever increasing puddles."

The Mayor was also be joined by deputy mayor councillor Brian Gibbard, The Very Reverend Dr Jeffrey John, Dean of St Albans, Rev Anne Hollinghurst of St Peter’s Church and the Mayor’s Chaplain, Rev Richard Banham.

The choir was led by the St Albans City Band and St Peter’s Church choristers.

Residents were given the opportunity to light a candle to remember a loved one, as well as the chance to write messages or prayers for peace which were placed on the railings surrounding the ‘St Albans Christmas Peace Tree’.