A family Christmas concert in Harrogate will be bigger and better than ever this year with an audience of about 1,500 people expected.

The concert takes place on Sunday at 7pm and will be presented by Harrogate Symphony Orchestra, Harrogate Choral Society and schools from Harrogate and Knaresborough.

This year the concert is being held at the International Centre, so the capacity should double last year's when the event was held at the Royal Hall.

More than 400 children from 12 local schools will form a choir for the event, while a host of familiar Christmas songs, some performed by small choir groups and some by the full complement of performers, will be included in the programme.

The orchestra will play two short popular pieces and the Clifton Handbell Ringers will add some novelty items.

The move to the International Centre is down to the support of the Homeowners Friendly Society.

John Sharratt, Harrogate Symphony Orchestra secretary, said: "Thanks to generous support from Homeowners, we have been able to take the concert to a venue which can accommodate a larger audience.

"This will allow as many children as possible to enjoy the unique experience of sharing a concert platform with a full symphony orchestra and an adult choral society."

Tickets are already selling well for the event, so advance booking is recommended. Ring the Harrogate International Centre box office on 01423 537230 for more details.