A LONG-standing Christmas carol concert is returning for the first time since 2019.

The Andover Chamber Choir has presented a carol concert at St Mary’s Church each Christmas for 30 years until having to call off the 2020 and 2021 performances due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

This year the choir will return for the first time since 2019 with a new show.

The programme features music both well-known and unfamiliar.

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Carols such as Gaudete! (made famous by Steeleye Span), Gabriel’s Message and Handel’s Joy to the World rub shoulders with Holst’s Jesus, thou virgin born and The Time draws near the Birth of Christ, composed for the 50th anniversary of The Harmonium Singers and here receiving its Covid-delayed premiere.

Carols will be interspersed with poems and with carols for the audience.

Tickets can be bought in advance from The Lights and from the Newbury Building Society or choir members.

Tickets will cost £10 in advance and £12 on the door, with under 16s entering free, and includes interval refreshments.

As always, proceeds from the evening will be donated to a local charity – the chosen charity for this year is the Andover Foodbank.

The concert will take place on December 17.