CHESTER Music Society is set to stage its much loved Christmas carol concert, with some esteemed guests getting ready to join in the festive fun at Chester Cathedral.

'Christmas Crackers' will make a welcome return on Tuesday, December 20 at 7.30pm. The special event will be presented by acclaimed Liverpool poet and national treasure Roger McGough who will join Chester Music Society Choir, Chester Philharmonic Orchestra and Conductor Graham Jordan Ellis as they perform festive favourites including Christmas carols, readings, the iconic Walking in the Air from The Snowman and a performance of Evening Prayer from Humperdinck's opera Hansel and Gretel.

A founder member of 1960s comedy, poetry and music trio The Scaffold, Roger McGough is one of Britain’s best-loved poets for both adults and children. Much travelled and translated, his poetry has gained increasing popularity, especially from its widespread use in schools.

A prolific writer, he is twice winner of the Signal Award for best children’s poetry book and recipient of the Cholmondeley Award. Described by former Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy as "The patron saint of poetry", Roger currently hosts Poetry Please on BBC Radio 4.

The concert will also feature Chester Cathedral's Saturday Singing Club, a fun, relaxed club for primary school children who perform at services in the cathedral throughout the year including Mothering Sunday, Harvest and the Christmas Eve Crib Service.

Following on from Christmas Crackers, the Society will host a visit to Chester by the Goldscheider Ensemble led by French Horn player Ben Goldscheider, for a concert at St Mary's Creative Space on Wednesday, December 21, at 7.30pm.

Highlights in 2023 include a celebrity concert with Cellist Leo Popplewell and Pianist Antonia Suhanova at St Mary's Creative Space on Wednesday, January 11 at 7.30pm, a concert featuring world renowned Pianist Martin Roscoe, a showcase concert featuring young musicians, and performances by The Vale Royal Singers and The Jan Modelski Community Orchestras.

Full details of Christmas Crackers and all others events in Chester Music Society's new season can be found at www.chestermusicsociety.org.uk where tickets can be booked online.