Launch your festivities at St Mary’s Church, Newent on Saturday December 9 at 2.30pm when the Newent Orchestra spread some seasonal music and magic.

Conductor Tobias Lazenbury has put together a programme to ease everyone into the Christmas spirit and leave the church knowing that Santa really is on his way.

Toby said: “This is my first Christmas with the Newent Orchestra and we are offering up some festive favourites and some pieces that reflect my background in choral singing.

"There will be some pieces you haven’t yet heard and those you know and love.

"We also have some special guests, children from the Strawberry Hill Dance Centre.”

The programme contains Christmas Sleighride – a fabulous piece composed by well-known Gloucester composer and organist, Christopher Boodle.

Also on the bill are 'Scene' and 'Danse des Signes' from Tchaikovsky’s magical Swan Lake ballet suite and nothing proclaims "It's Christmas!" better than the sparkling dance 'Waltz of the Flowers' from The Nutcracker Suite,

It wouldn’t be a Christmas concert without some traditional carols and the biggest banger of them all has to be Jingle Bells.

Lots more besides but come and enjoy it for yourselves.

Entry includes interval wine/soft drinks and mince pies. Book now for this super-popular event.

Adult Ticket Price £10, in advance (online payment), or on the door (cash or contactless) 16s and under, free!