Lyme Bay Chorale is gearing up for a Christmas concert featuring two popular but contrasting choral works.

Under the direction of Alex Davies, the choir will first present Vivaldi’s celebratory Gloria, known for its distinctive melodies and rhythms.

Following the interval, Benjamin Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols will be performed, a series of traditional texts set to lively melodies, a staple in Christmas performances.

The rich programme also features Mary’s Magnificat by Andrew Carter, Dormi Jesu by Lyme Regis-based composer Peter Irving, along with an organ solo by the choir’s musical director, Alex Davies.

Audience participation is encouraged with three traditional carols.

Accompanying the choir on piano and organ will be Andrew Millington, with soprano Chloe Stratta and mezzo-soprano Anna Marie McLachlan performing the solo movements in both pieces.

The concert is set for Sunday, December 8, at 4pm in Lyme Regis Parish Church.

Advance tickets are priced at £15 and can be purchased from Fortnam Smith & Banwell.

They will also be available at the door.

Young people aged 18 and under can attend free of charge.

Concert-goers can enjoy mulled wine, soft drinks, and mince pies post-event.

This concert marks the fifth for Lyme Bay Chorale this year.

The choir has a history of joint performances, such as the one with The Broadoak Choir in March.

They also held a concert to commemorate the centenary of composer Charles Stanford’s death in April.

Moreover, they organised fundraisers for the RNLI in July and the Royal British Legion in November.

For over 20 years, Lyme Bay Chorale, an SATB choir of about 32 singers, has been based in Lyme Regis, delivering a spring and Advent concert of classical and modern choral music each year in St Michael’s Church, in addition to at least one fundraising concert.

The choir has cultivated a fine reputation that draws large audiences.

More information about the choir and its Young Singers Bursary Scheme can be found at www.lymebaychorale.co.uk