ENJOY some orchestral Christmas cheer with these five festive concerts with the world famous BSO...

1. Handel’s Messiah on Wednesday, December 12, Lighthouse, Poole, 7.30pm. This has become a staple of the BSO’s festive season and this year the orchestra is joined by the Bournemouth Symphony Chorus and world-class soloists Mary Bevan, Diana Moore, Stuart Jackson and William Berger with conductor Nicholas McGegan.

2. The Snowman and Roald Dahl’s Little Red Riding Hood on Sunday, December 16, Lighthouse, 3pm & 7pm. Conducted by Hugh Brunt, performances from 11-year-old Leo Ahern and 13-year-old Sophie Anderson performing Walking in the Air, and a re-telling of Little Red Riding Hood narrated by CBeebies’ Pui Fan Lee.

3. Last Night of the Christmas Proms on Saturday, December 22, Lighthouse, Poole, 7.30pm. Broadway and West End Star Michael Xavier joins conductor Pete Harrison and the BSO as guest soloist. A collection of music from films and shows kicks off the concert, including a selection of seasonal favourites by Ron Goodwin.

4. A Celebration of Christmas Carols on Sunday, December 23, Lighthouse, Poole, 7.30pm. Sing along to a great selection of Christmas carols favourites, directed by Gavin Carr. Once in Royal David’s City, O Holy Night, O Little Town of Bethlehem and Joy to the World will be amongst those carols being given the full symphonic treatment.

5. New Year Johann Strauss Gala on Tuesday, January 1, Lighthouse, Poole, 3pm. A selection of polkas, waltzes and marches, from Vienna conducted by Thomas Rösner, including The Blue Danube and soprano solos from Fflur Wyn. To book, see BSOlive.com