LEVENS Choir returns to the stage for two pre-Christmas concerts of Handel's Messiah.

Ever since Handel wrote The Messiah in 1741-42 it has stayed a firm favourite with singers and audiences alike and is regarded as one of the most popular sacred pieces of music ever written.

Ian Jones and the popular Levens choristers perform the great oratorio on Sunday, December 7, at St Martin’s Church, Bowness, with another show on Tuesday, December 9, at Kirkby Stephen Parish Church, both at 7pm.

The concerts feature the Kent Sinfonietta led by prominent Cumbria musician and conductor Roland Fudge plus four soloists – Philippa Hyde, Joyce Tindsley, Stephen Newlove and Jolyon Dodgson.

Tickets are available from Huttons Chocolates, Bowness, Upper Eden Visitor Centre, Kirkby Stephen, from choir members or on 01539-730590.