A festival for Christmas

Roselise Gentile the new conductor for the Orpheus Choir

Now in its incredible 31st year, the Festival returns to its home of Preston Guild Hall tomorrow, Saturday December 7, for a nostalgic evening of festive fun.

The Orpheus Choir, led by their new half Italian musical director Roselise Gentile, will be joined by the children of Lea Endowed School choir singing carols and Christmas favourites.

And the acclaimed Freckleton Brass Band, led by their special guest conductor Michael Fowles, will give a very Lancastrian flavour to the evening by performing a selection of the most popular seasonal tunes.

The pupils of St Pius X Preparatory School will act out the story of the Nativity on the Guild Hall’s stage.

Pipe major Stewart Lyell will welcome guests with some traditional Scottish entertainment.

Dancers from the Sandham Fitchett School of Performing Arts will take to the stage for a few Christmas-themed pieces.

All the entertainers will be welcomed on stage by the compere, Philip Walsh.

And of course, the members of the Orpheus Choir themselves, under the baton of Ms Gentile and with their help of their accompanist Paul Greenhalgh, will be the stars of the show.

Doors open for the show at 7pm.

Tickets are still on sale from the Guild Hall box office on 0844 844 7714.