Sunderland Symphony Orchestra Annual Christmas Concert

Sunderland Symphony Orchestra are back at St Gabriel's Church, Chester Road on Saturday 5 December, their annual Christmas concert returning for another year. It's become a bit of a festive tradition in the city, drawing families over the last couple of seasons, and the tickets tend to go quickly.

Musical director David Milner describes the afternoon as a mix of new and familiar. There are three new pieces this year alongside the well-loved carols the audience is encouraged to sing along with, and an invitation for children to join in with the Christmas classic Sleigh Ride. The St Anthony's Girls choir are returning to join them on stage, too.

The programme includes Philip Lane's Wassail Dances, Stille Nacht as arranged by Chip Davis and Calvin Custer, Bells of Christmas arranged by Bob Krogstad, and Leroy Anderson's Sleigh Ride. It's a mix of those newer additions and the carols you'll recognise from years of Christmas concerts.

Entry is free but ticketed, so you'll want to get yours sorted early rather than turning up on the day. There's a retiring collection at the door, which goes towards supporting the orchestra's ongoing programme of concerts across the city. It starts at 4pm on Saturday 5 December at St Gabriel's Church, Chester Road.