The city of Brighton and Hove has been called the most godless in Britain, yet it has a demonstrable thirst for spirituality. Its churches are thriving and it is home to an original and beautiful Advent event that draws visitors from far and wide Why would anyone go to the seaside in December? Especially on a cold, moonless, pitch-black evening, when the wind seems determined to tear out your hair and icy, horizontal rain pricks your face. Yet on 1 December, almost 300 people gathered on the seafront at Hove, in Sussex, drinking mulled wine, eating mince pies and witnessing an unusual, astonishing event. Strains of brave music fought back the gusts. It came from the children of St Christopher’s School, who were lustily singing carols, in front of a little hut filled, for one night