For me Raymond Briggs The Snowman is one of the most warming aspects of Christmas. So, I was really looking forward to this festive treat at The Sage Gateshead, and wasn't disappointed.
Hall One was filled with children whose parents were themselves children when Raymond Brigg's book The Snowman, and then the film version came out. Conductor Alan Feron and Northern Sinfonia got the warm as mince-pie feeling going in the first half with christmas carols and jingling bells.
In the second half you sit back and watch the magical film on the big screen while the orchestra play the score. The tranquillity of the music was breath-taking. Young Francis Sinclair sung the song Walking in the Air perfectly - although sadly the setting didn’t really allow for my traditional hearty bellowing accompaniment!
Arguably more pertinent review though comes from Charlie, aged three, who paid rapt attention throughout and eventually said 'big snowman magic'. Hurrah a new Christmas tradition has been established! Beware next year I plan to learn the words and be brave enough to sing as well.