Chester Music Society Choir launches its Christmas season with two concerts in Chester Cathedral in the presence of the Lord Mayor, Cllr Jill Houlbrook.

Festive music for both choir and audience will be accompanied by cathedral director of music Philip Rushforth and the outstanding Inspired Brass quintet from Manchester.

Introductions and readings will be by cathedral events manager Nick Fry, who recently starred to great acclaim as God in the Chester Mystery Plays.

The audience will be invited to join in lustily with the old favourites: Hark! the Herald Angels Sing, God rest you merry gentlemen, and many more, while the choir will perform carols old and new, including I Saw Three Ships, the Sans Day Carol and the Song of the Nuns of Chester.

The concerts are on December 16-17 and tickets are available at £15 and £8, with reductions for unwaged, full-time students and disabled, plus discounts for groups.

Call Chester Visitor Information Centre on 0845 241 7868 or email choirtickets@chestermusicsociety.org.uk.