Festive concerts to give thousands 'joy of singing'

More than 2,400 primary school children from 84 schools across the county will perform

Thousands of school pupils will take to the stage for Christmas concerts across East Sussex this month.

More than 2,400 primary school children from 84 schools across the county will perform at the Brighton Dome, Glyndebourne and De La Warr Pavilion.

There will be 11 shows starting from 2 December and finishing on 16 December.

The programme, called One Voice, is being delivered by Create Music and aims to give children "the joy of singing together".

Peter Chivers, director of Create Music, said they were "thrilled" to be performing at the Brighton Dome for the first time.

He added: "The programme continues to grow, giving thousands of children the joy of singing together, the confidence to perform and the sense of belonging that comes from being part of a large musical community.

"Music supports children's wellbeing and helps them feel connected, and One Voice shows the impact we can create when schools and cultural organisations work together across Sussex."

'New mix of songs'

This year's concerts will feature an expanded programme and a new mix of songs from Europe, the USA and Lebanon, alongside celebrations of Hanukkah.

Music is performed by a massed choir of key stage two pupils joined by a Glyndebourne soloist and young musicians from Create Music, including its youth string ensemble and brass ensemble.

The One Voice Festival of Singing is partially funded by Glyndebourne and Arts Council England.

There will be four concerts at the Brighton Dome on 2 December and 3 December, followed by five concerts at Glyndebourne near Lewes between 9 December and 11 December.

The festival will finish with two concerts on 16 December at the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill.