THE festive feeling can be enjoyed for a little bit longer with Bolton Symphony Orchestra "New Year Concert".

The family concert will feature the magical score of Howard Blake's The Snowman complete with the film.

There will also be excerpts from the festive favourite, Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker Ballet.

Also performing in the concert, the first of a series staged by Bolton Symphony Orchestra throughout the year, will be choirs from Eagley Junior School, Harwood Meadows Primary School, Kearsley West Primary School and St. Saviour Primary School.

The New Year marks the start of a new journey for Bolton Symphony Orchestra with the appointment of Paul Witkiewicz, Ben Crick and Andrew Berryman as Associate Artistic Directors for the next five years.

David Greenhalgh from Bolton Symphony Orchestra said: "We are very excited about the concert. It is the first time we have performed with a film showing.

"The Snowman will be shown on the big screen with the orchestra performing and enthusiastic children performing with us.

"We have worked with Bolton Music Service and the children are currently in rehearsal. They will be singing Walking in the Air."

Last year orchestra with the help of schoolchildren performed music and songs from Hansel and Gretel.

Mr Greenhalgh said: "The children sounded fantastic, the orchestra looked up and just thought 'wow'. This year we have the film showing of The Snowman, and as far as we are aware this is the first time in Bolton something like this has taken place."

Under-19s are given free admission to the concert to ensure younger people can enjoy the arts in Bolton.

The concert is the first of six to be staged by Bolton Symphony Orchestra this year. The second concert will take place in March.

The concert takes places at the Victoria Hall on January 26, at 7.30pm.

Tickets are priced £12 and under-19s go free. They can be bought from the Victoria Hall box office, which is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 2pm and Saturdays from 10am to noon.

They are also available by ringing 01204 5225 10:00 to 14:00 and Saturdays 10:00 to 12:00) or by phone on 01204 522 569