Winchester News Online
REVIEW: London Concertante ~ Christmas at the movies
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
London Concertante blends festive nostalgia with warm, engaging performances.
London Concertante’s Christmas at the Movies brought together a comforting mix of familiar Christmas film music and steady, confident playing from the ensemble.
With pieces from White Christmas, Love Actually, Home Alone, Elf and It’s a Wonderful Life, the concert leaned heavily into the nostalgia that draws audiences to these films year after year.
Before the show, some of the musicians spoke about what they hoped the audience would take away.
One performer said they wanted listeners to feel “that amazing energy… and the shared memories that people have from different films,” adding that so many Christmas themes “bring wonderful festive memories” with them.
Another hoped the audience would “relax and get into a really festive mood.”
One musician reflected on why these films resonate at all: “For me, Christmas was a really magical time… it connects me to that feeling of being safe, that feeling of being home.”
On stage, the group delivered a warm, well-blended sound. The gentler, sentimental moments were soft and smooth, while the brighter pieces had a clear sense of fun. The arrangements stuck closely to the originals, which at times made the programme feel predictable, but it suited the mood of the evening.
Audience members were enthusiastic throughout. One returning listener said they came back “because I enjoyed them so much before,” and afterwards people described the concert as “absolutely wonderful” and “just like the sounds from the cinema.”
Overall, with ticket prices between £21 and £46, Christmas at the Movies offered a cosy, enjoyable seasonal night out.
A man threw a chair and threatened bystanders in the centre of Gosport on Friday.
Police say the man, who was behaving aggressively, threw the chair on the ground and shouted threats at nearby shoppers before running away. No one was injured.
It happened just before noon, outside a Greggs Bakery on the High Street.
Hampshire Police say the man was white, bald and in his late 40s. He was wearing a baseball cap and a grey hoodie.
Officers are asking anyone who saw the incident to contact them.
Twelve people were arrested after 350 anti-migrant protestors clashed with police overnight in Gosport following reports of a small boat landing in the area.
A small number of officers needed medical treatment following the protests near Walpole car park.
Assistant Chief Constable Simon Dodds said: “Violence and criminal damage have no part in peaceful protest, our position on this has been clear that we will investigate thoroughly and take robust action against anyone responsible.
“Our officers did not deserve to be assaulted as they worked incredibly diligently on Sunday to ensure the safety of everyone in the area.”
Police had banned face coverings and had issued a dispersal order ahead of the protests across Gosport.
Those arrested were held on suspicion of assaulting officers or being drunk and disorderly.
The protest marks an increase in tensions within the UK after protests at Portsmouth, Taunton, Basingstoke and Glasgow in recent months.
Gosport Reform UK councilor Paul Carter told GB News: “If you think about this last night, no one really knew what was happening… I think a lot of people are really worried.”
People in Romsey are being warned that the town’s recycling centre will be closing for a month for repairs.
The closure of Casbrook recycling centre will take place from 12 October to 12 November.
The council says that repairs are essential to keep the site safe, after heavy vehicles damaged the tarmac beneath waste containers.
Councillor Kirsty North, Hampshire County Council’s deputy leader, said: “We are investing in essential improvements to preserve the surface of Casbrook HWRC (Bunny Lane) and ensure the facility continues to serve residents safely and effectively for many years to come.
“I thank residents for their patience during these works and confirm that capacity is available at nearby HWRCs to ensure residents that usually use Bunny Lane, can still dispose of their waste during this time.”
Locals have been advised to use alternative centres in Winchester and Eastleigh while the repairs take place.
-
Football10 years agoFootball – Winchester City vs Didcot Town
-
Community9 years agoWinnall community association renovated
-
Community9 years ago
Hampshire’s frontline services at risk
-
Hampshire9 years agoUniversity of Winchester Parking Trouble
-
Community9 years ago
Knight Bus unveiled at school
-
Community9 years ago‘Controversial’ new plans take shape in Eastleigh
-
Winchester News Online9 years ago#MiracleMissy Update
-
Bulletins8 years agoWINOL 20 November 2018