It was fabulous to see St Mary's packed to the rafters for tonight's World Aids Day fundraiser concert.

After opening speeches by Brighton's Mayor, Andrew Ballantyine and Neil Carter took the stage to perform two enchanting flute and harp pieces. Soloist Gregory Moore played and sang beautifully, and the Rainbow Chorus endeared the crowd with songs old and new - including a great arrangement of a Chumbawamba number 'Homophobia'.

We heard more from Ballantyne and Carter in the second half - after which the stage was thrown into stunning red lighting and - complete with orchestra - the City of Brighton Gay Men's Chorus set the hairs on the backs of our necks tingling with highly dramatic excerpts from Carmina Burana.

The event was organised by GEMS (the Gay Elderly Men's Society), sponsored by Age Concern and supported by The Amsterdam Hotel, Gscene Magazine, the Aquarium Theatre Bar, Bright'n Beautiful Sauna and Churches Together in Central Brighton - with proceeds going to The Sussex Beacon.