THE Ridgeway Singers and Band will present their joyous West Gallery Carol concert at Weymouth Library on Wednesday, December 11.

With their roots in the South Dorset Ridgeway, the Ridgeway Singers and Band are inspired by the rich sources of locally collected folk songs. Their festive programme will include works from the Puddletown, Bridport and Poole manuscripts, together with newly composed carols in the Dorset tradition.

West Gallery music includes songs and carols, usually in four-part harmony, that were performed in church galleries during the 18th and 19th centuries. The tradition died out due to various changes in society, including churches adopting organs and harmoniums and no longer needing the local band.

The group's glorious celebration of Christmas past and present will be led by Tim Laycock and Phil Humphries. Tickets are £8, available from Weymouth Library or via Eventbrite.

The Ridgeway Singers and Band will also be performing their Christmas concert in Winfrith Newburgh on Sunday, December 15, and in Dorchester's Dorford Centre on Friday, December 20.

More details are available at ridgewaysingersandband.wordpress.com.