Glyndebourne singers kept concertgoers' spirits up after a Christmas carol performance when snowfall meant people were unable to get out of the opera venue.
Around 1,200 people came to see a Christmas concert at Glyndebourne in New Road, east of Lewes, on Sunday.
Snow started falling at around 3pm and Sussex Police advised that people should delay leaving the countryside venue until the road and exit had been gritted.
Concertgoers said they were serenaded in an impromptu performance by choir members after the show while staff helped people with hot drinks and put grit down on paths.
Anne Farrant, 85, was one of the people who attended and said staff were “brilliant”.
She said: “The choir came out while we waited and sung some lovely carols which were beautiful.
“They had hot chocolate, tea and coffee and made sure we were looked after.
“They eventually said the road was clear towards Lewes but people got stuck up the hill from Glyndebourne.
“We sat tight, they kept us very well-informed. We didn’t want to be sat in the car waiting in the cold.
“There were so many people to help. We’re two old ladies and were escorted down by two attendants. They were absolutely brilliant in helping us.
“They couldn’t have done more to keep us informed, keep us warm. We were there for about two and a half hours.
“We left by about 7.30pm, the whole lane was sheet ice.”
Donna Marsh, director of customer service and facilities at Glyndebourne, said: “Sunday's Christmas concert turned out to be rather more festive than we had anticipated.
“While our 1,200 strong audience was inside the theatre, we experienced a heavy downfall of snow that soon settled on the roads and lanes around Glyndebourne.
“To ensure everyone was able to leave safely, the departure of the 500 cars on site had to be slow but an impromptu carol performance by the Glyndebourne chorus in our Long Bar kept spirits up.
“Meanwhile, it was all hands on deck as staff from all departments came out to help shovel grit, scrape ice and push cars. I’d like to thank everyone for their patience and positivity while we worked to get everyone home safely.”
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