The Christmas concert at Beaulieu Abbey Church will feature the New Forest Children’s Choir and the New Forest Chamber Choir

Beaulieu Abbey Church will set the scene for a Christmas concert featuring the New Forest Children’s and the New Forest Chamber choirs.

The hugely popular annual event will see Christmas carols sung by the multi-award-winning groups under the direction of Alison Russell-Hayward.

The New Forest Children’s Choir, named BBC Children’s Choir of the Year 2010, was formed in 2008 by Alison. Together the children bring their energy and love of singing alive, performing classical choral pieces, traditional folk songs, music from the musicals, gospel and African music to the highest standards. The choir perform both nationally and internationally.

The concert, which takes place at 7pm on Saturday 7th December, will feature a stunning blend of choral singing from both choirs, as well as solo voice and solo harp.

Choirs spokesperson Rupert De Barr said: ”The highly successful combination of classic and modern choral pieces, congregational singing of carols, and beautiful solo pieces remains unchanged from previous years but, as always, the festive music will be new – and both tender and inspiring.”

The choirs will also sing glorious choral arrangements by composer Sir John Rutter – who is patron to both – Sir David Wilcox and many more.

This year the concert will also feature the soprano soloist Henrietta Russell and harpist Heather Wrighton, both of whom have delighted audiences at previous Christmas concerts.

Rupert added: “Those who have been to previous concerts will attest to the uniquely magical atmosphere that Alison Russell-Hayward creates and the quality of the musicianship throughout.”

Tickets are £15, including a mince pie and a glass of mulled wine at the interval. To book, visit www.musicatbeaulieu.org or call the box office on 07770 855990.