A celebration of Festive Melodies tonight at Mayo church

Castlebar Concert Band host 'Festive Melodies, An Evening of Christmas Music and Cheer' in the town tonight (Thursday).

It takes place at the Church of the Holy Rosary from 8 p.m. and it's the perfect opportunity to get into the Christmas mood.

The hour-long concert will feature an array of Christmas favourites, including 'The Most Wonderful Time of the Year', 'Stop the Cavalry', 'Fairytale in New York,' 'White Christmas' and 'Let it Snow'.

A new addition to the programme, 'Christmas at the Movies,' is certain to be enjoyed by the audience because it includes such well-known hits as 'Somewhere in my Memory' from the hit movie Home Alone and 'Polar Express'.

There is a guest appearance by accomplished local vocalist Tomas Langan while The Westerlies, a collaboration of the band's trumpet players, will also give a rendition, which includes the much-loved 'O Holy Night.'

This is a free event but donations are welcome.

Everybody is welcome.

The band, under the direction of Debbie Clarke, will continue its busy Christmas schedule next Wednesday, December 20, when performing for the pupils and staff of St. Brid's School, Pavilion Road, Castlebar, always a lovely event.

Performances of traditional Christmas Carols on the streets of the town get underway on Friday evening, December 22, between 6 and 8 p.m.

It continues on Saturday, December 23, from 1 to 3 p.m. and on Sunday, December 24, from 11.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m.

The band returns to the Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar, on Christmas Day for 12 noon Mass.