THE West End comes to King George’s Hall, Blackburn, on Saturday, November 9, when international soloist Margaret Preece will lead Blackburn Music Society and Central Youth Choir in an Opera Gala Concert in celebration of the society’s 80th season.

Margaret, who was the dubbed voice of actress Minnie Driver in the film version of Phantom of the Opera, also sang the role of Carlotta in the West End production and that of Mother Abbess in the Sound of Music.

The event includes a curtailed concert performance of Bizet’s Carmen and other great hits from the world of opera.

The society joins forces with Lancashire Chamber Orchestra for the annual performance of Handel’s Messiah in Blackburn Cathedral on Saturday, December 7.

There’s also a Germanic programme planned for the new year with Mendelssohn’s Hymn of Praise as its centrepiece.

Anyone interested in joining the choir can email bbmusicsoc@gmail.com or attend one of the rehearsals on Monday evenings from 7.30-9.15pm at Westholme Girls’ Junior School, Beardwood Bank, Preston New Road, Blackburn.

Tickets for the opera gala concert are available from King George’s Hall on 0844 847 1664 or the ticket secretary on 01254 201978.