CHRISTMAS just wouldn’t be the same without The Snowman and there was much excitement in Salisbury Cathedral on Monday as Raymond Briggs’ festive favourite was given a special screening – accompanied by a live orchestra.

Little ones were mesmerised as the original 1982 animation was projected onto three large screens above an orchestra in the central crossing, while musicians drawn from some of the country’s top ensembles, including BBC Philharmonic, concert and symphony orchestras, performed Howard Blake’s enchanting composition.

Presented by Carrot Productions, the charming Children’s tale was preceded by a special screening of Aardman’s latest Shaun the Sheep film The Flight Before Christmas.

Over the day’s three performances, a trio of Cathedral Choristers were selected to each sing a solo of the well-loved classic Walking In The Air. Theo Price, aged 12, and Elliot Groillon, also 12, sang during the two matinees. But it was 13-year-old Faith Gregory whose melodic tones we listened to during the evening performance. The song is one of the defining features of the film and Faith’s beautiful voice was so enchanting it made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.

Within the splendour of Salisbury Cathedral, it was a truly magical way to experience the award-winning film.