The scene was set in the stunning surroundings of St Nicholas cathedral. Lofty and steeped in history - the ancient church was truly the most appropriate setting for what was to follow. On Angel Wings was the final event in what has been a fantastic year of 10th birthday celebrations for us at Seven Stories.

On Monday - we ramped up the Christmas cheer with a nationally treasured author, an a capella choir, a saxaphone and some bleating 'sheep'...On Angel Wings the Concert was underway.  A packed audience were treated to a retelling of the Christmas story written and performed by award-winning author Michael Morpurgo and accompanied by his wife Clare.  The pair processed onto the stage behind Voices at the Door a capella choir, led by a beautifully reedy saxophone. The carols had a rustic, folky feel - as if the shepherds themselves were singing carols by firelight.  What a delight to have the cathedral singing with the choir's incredible voices.  We could also listen to Michael and Clare read all day every day!

Competition winners Oliver and Eve show Michael their winning illustrations inspired by On Angel Wings. Photographs by Damien Wootten.

The special evening was wrapped up with a rousing chorus of Noel with the audience singing along enthusiastically led by Michael who took on the roll of conductor.

On Angel Wings was the final event in what has been a fantastic year of celebrations for us at Seven Stories.  We are delighted and touched by Michael and Clare's generosity and support - Michael mentioned in his thank yous that it was an honour to be associated with Seven Stories. Thank you to all who attended the event and generously donated to the buckets at the end of the event - all the money raised will be split between Seven Stories - The National Centre for Children's Books, Farms for City Children and St Nicholas Cathedral. You can find out more about all of these charities by clicking on their names. A few more huge thank yous go to St Nicholas Cathedral for hosting us so expertly, the tech team, Voices at the Door choir and the event sponsors Bond Dickinson and Newcastle University. With the acquisition of Micheal's entire archive this year too, we're now looking forward to 2016 and the launch of our brand new exhibition dedicated to Michael's work. We are very excited about delving into the extensive archive and can't wait to see what you think! Find out more about the Michael Morpurgo archive here and why not follow our Collection Blog for all the behind-the-scenes news.   We continue to go Morpurgo mad this Christmas and even had a brilliant Christmas celebration for all at Seven Stories HQ organised by our Collection department.  The theme of the afternoon was Michael Morpurgo's archive with quizzes, design your own Rainbow Bear and even an impressive fancy dress competition.  The victors gathered for a photo but can you name the books they have been inspired by? Answers on a postcard!