Get into the festive spirit

Fresh from the prestigious awards dinner, The Ulster Star People of the Year awards, at which they were finalists in the Arts and Drama category, Fusion Theatre is back to rehearsals for its Christmas extravaganza, which will take place for one night only on Saturday December 19 at Lagan Valley Island.

Featuring the Northern Ireland Concert Band, Fusion Festivities will feature Christmas and other well loved music, carols, and songs, in what has become one of the highlights of the year.

The evening has proved so popular that tickets have been selling since booking opened, which coincided with the talented youngsters’ last production, the energetic Sunshine On Leith in September.

Fusion’s conductor and MD Ian Milford is looking forward to the evening which he regards as a break from all the Christmas preparations.

He told the Star “I always feel that no Christmas is complete without a chance to stand and sing a few carols, preferably under a Christmas tree. That’s what Christmas means to me! Christmas doesn’t really start until I’ve sung a few bars of ‘Hark the Herald’ or ‘Away in a Manger’. Even cooking the turkey involves listening to ‘Carols from Kings’.

“I like to think that Fusion Festivities is a chance for everyone to stop in their tracks and have a few quiet minutes away from the hustle and bustle of shopping and preparations! For relaxation, you just can’t beat it.”

Tickets cost £12, and are already available from the box office at Lagan Valley Island, 9250950 or www.tickets.lisburncity.gov.uk.