BLACKBURN Cathedral will be the setting for a spectacular Christmas treat for the family.

The animated version of Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman will be screened in the cathedral accompanied by a live orchestra.

This is the first time the show has visited Blackburn, but in past years it has proved a huge draw at other cathedrals across the country.

As an added bonus, the Blackburn performance will also include the screening of the animated film of the award-winning book The Bear and the Piano by David Litchfield.

This will again feature an orchestra playing the score by Daniel Whilby and a narration recorded by Joanna Lumley.

She said: “In the tradition of The Snowman, The Bear and the Piano is an enchanting story told with glorious music and is a bewitching treat for all ages. I am 109 and read the tale aloud and felt as though I were seven again.”

David Litchfield, the book’s author, said: “It is great to see my book animated on the big screen, accompanied by such brilliant live music, and of course the unmistakable voice of Joanna Lumley.”

The show, being staged by Carrott Productions, will feature an orchestra drawn from some of the top musicians in the country, many of whom are members of orchestras such as The Hallé and the BBC Philharmonic.

Every performance will feature a soloist from the area singing the famous Walking in the Air solo. Auditions will be held in the autumn, with cathedral choirmasters helping to find suitable soloists to take up this superb performance opportunity.

As well as two great animated stories, the show provides a fun introduction to the orchestra and there will even be a visit from the show’s own Snowman.

The Snowman, Blackburn Cathedral, Tuesday, December 11. Performances at 1.45pm, 4pm and 7pm. For more information visit www.carrotproductions.com or call 0344 8000 410