In a unique blend of live music and cinema, a renowned band has been captivating audiences since 2021 by staging performances centred on the festive film *The Snowman*. This year, the festive magic comes to The Beacon in Wantage, The Amey Theatre in Abingdon, and the Arlington Arts Centre in Newbury. Performances are scheduled for 1.30pm and 4pm, starting at The Beacon in Wantage on December 7, moving to Abingdon on December 8, and culminating in Newbury on December 15.
Organiser Sam Wyne shared the band’s excitement for these annual performances: “Our band thoroughly enjoys performing these concerts each Christmas. It’s become the ‘thing to do’ for families in the area each December.”
### Performances Led by Musical Director Chris King
Under the skilled direction of Musical Director Chris King, the one-hour-long concerts promise to delight audiences with a variety of festive pieces. The centrepiece of the event will be a live rendition of the soundtrack to *The Snowman*, perfectly synchronised with the film displayed on a big screen.
### A Warm Welcome from Compere Sarah Roe
This year, audiences will be introduced to Sarah Roe, the newly appointed compere. Roe will incorporate Makaton—a communication system designed for those with speech or language difficulties—making the concert experience more inclusive for all families. Wyne emphasized this commitment to accessibility, saying, “We feel it’s important for all young people to have music in their lives and we want every part of our concerts to be as accessible as possible.”
### Special Guest Performances
The joyful atmosphere will be further enhanced by contributions from pianistic virtuoso Andrew McKenna and young singer Grace Clark, who will perform the timeless classic *Walking in the Air*. Their performances are sure to bring a special touch to this already magical event.
### Celebrate the Holidays with the Community
These concerts are designed to do more than entertain—they create a welcoming space for families to come together and celebrate the holiday season. By blending live music, cinema, and inclusivity, the band offers an experience that highlights the spirit of community and togetherness during this festive time of year.
To learn more or to book tickets for performances, visit the official websites for The Beacon, The Amey Theatre, and the Arlington Arts Centre.
Looking for more local activities or events? Check out [our events directory](https://wantage.com/directory/) for inspiration, or [submit your own event](https://wantage.com/submit-listing/?listing_type=clubs-groups-and-events) to connect with the Wantage community!
