Save the date:  Manx Youth Orchestra will perform its postponed Christmas concert on Tuesday 6 February 2018 – with tinsel and all the trimmings!
 
The popular annual event at the Villa Marina Royal Hall was called off on 9 December after heavy snowfall around the Island created severe travel difficulties.
 
With several key routes blocked and the risk of further wintery weather on the way, the safety of around 240 musicians and their audience was paramount, and a firm promise was made the concert would be rescheduled early in the New Year.
 
Maggie Richardson, Head of Music Service at the Department of Education, Sport and Culture said:  ‘The young performers were so excited about taking part in our biggest concert of the year, some for the first time.  We’re determined that all their hard work and enthusiasm won’t be wasted, and holding our festive celebration in February will give everyone something cheery to look forward to.
 
She added: ‘The weather outside was frightful but it certainly hasn’t dampened our spirit. Our programme will be changed a little but we will keep the festive feel at the centre of our evening and we hope the audience will enter into the spirit of the occasion with us.’
 
The concert is a showcase for young players and an invaluable opportunity to perform in front of a large audience in the Island’s premiere concert venue.
 
A feast of music featuring styles to suit all tastes will be performed by Junior Strings, Junior Wind Band, the Wind and String Orchestras, Concert Band, Guitar Ensemble, Manx Youth Jazz Orchestra and the Training and Senior Manx Youth Orchestras.
 
Those who bought tickets for the December event can use them for the February concert. For those cannot attend, refunds are available until 31 December. Remaining tickets are on sale at the Welcome Centre and Villa Marina box office at ?10, or ?5 for under-16s, visit www.villagaiety.com.