With the festive period upon us, many local choirs are getting ready for Christmas shows which they hope will sell out.

The Dursley Male Voice Choir have already achieved that goal, selling out their two performances at the Chantry Centre in Dursley with just under three weeks to go.

“As happened last year, once again the people of South Gloucestershire have been incredibly supportive, snapping up all of the tickets for our concerts,” said the choir’s Chairman, Bryan Jones.

“It’s up to us now to put on a performance to lift the spirits and justify the support local people give us.”

Maintaining its tradition of supporting young up and coming local talent, the choir will be joined by soloist Esmee Cook from Thornbury.

Esmee is currently a full-time acting student at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, who recently graduated with a Masters Degree in Philosophy and Politics from Edinburgh University.

During her time in Edinburgh, Esmee starred in a number of musicals including ‘Miss Saigon’ and ‘Bye Bye Birdie’.

Esmee will be backed by the choir at both performances on Friday 14th and Saturday 15th December, and Bryan is looking forward to the shows.

He added: “There is absolutely no doubt that for many folks the festive season really starts with our Christmas Concerts.

“Lots of people attend our shows year after year and they tell us that the concerts have now become an integral and traditional part of their Christmas celebrations.”

The Dursley Male Voice Choir is operating a waiting list for disappointed customers through their Facebook page. Any returned tickets may become available on a first come first served basis.