Christmas concert Sheer delight for Lisa.

MANCHESTER based Lisa Sheerin might be forging a name for herself as an outstanding Soprano in her adopted city but nothing will stop the Derry native from returning home to be a soloist in Codetta and the City of Derry Youth Choir's Christmas performance of Handel's Messiah.

The concert will take place in the city's Guildhall on the evening of Saturday, December 19th, and for Lisa the seasonal rendition of Handel's famous Oratorio is as much a part of the festive season as opening presents or the aroma of roasting turkey.

"I'm really looking forward to getting home and performing at the Guildhall. This will be the first time that I have performed as a soloist in the Christmas performance of the Messiah in Derry. I've done recitals at home before but this will be the first time I've performed an oratorio," said an excited Lisa.

"I think everybody loves the Messiah. I've taken part in the Christmas concert every year since I was about 13 or 14, I'm 24 now so it's a real Christmas tradition for me.

Whenever we get to the Messiah it's a signal for me that Christmas has really arrived."

Lisa is currently completing a Masters in Solo Performance at the prestigious Royal Northern College of Music and has a busy schedule of recitals coming up in Manchester, but will make sure to get home in plenty of time to prepare for the Guildhall Concert.

"I have a number of performances coming up in Manchester but I'll be home a couple of days before the concert to get the chance to prepare for the concert.

"It's a great night with a mixed program including the Messiah and Christmas Carols. It's a night I really look forward to singing with Codetta, my home choir. And with the City of Derry Youth Choir, the night has real family feel to it, with all the mammies and daddies there it really symbolises what Christmas is all about."

And the Christmas concert is just one of a number of fantastic festive events taking place in Derry over the Yuletide season. The city will host a range of family friendly and exciting events this Christmas season, offering visitors a truly magical experience.

There's a new Christmas experience in the Craft Village this year, with the creation of a perfect winter haven to bring the family. Whether you want to post your letter to Santa, listen to Christmas music, catch a Christmas tale or make a unique gift, it's an ideal space for families and friends.

Operating daily from 12th to 24th December, this is where you will find a little bit of Christmas spirit in the heart of the city centre.

Families have the chance to see two different pantos this year - the Millennium Forum hosts Aladdin from 27th November until 3rd January. The Grove Theatre Company's Snow White and the Seven Dwarves will be performed in the Waterside Theatre from 5th to 15th December, then moves to the Playhouse from 17th to 19th December.

Families can also visit Ness Nurseries on Glenshane Road from 27th November until 23rd December, where children can meet Santa and enjoy a fun-filled Jack and the Beanstalk" Nature Trail!

And the final weekend before Christmas will certainly lift your mood. From the 18th to 19th December there's still a change to visit the Walled City Christmas Market on the 19th, listen to Lisa at the Christmas concert at the Guildhall on the 19th or drop into the craft village for that special Christmas treat with family friends. So for a real festive experience, take a trip to Derry -Londonderry.

For further information about Christmas events visit www.festivetime.com Financial assistance has been provided by Northern Ireland Tourist Board and delivered under the Tourism Development Scheme with assistance from the European Sustainable Competiveness Programme for Northern Ireland 2007-2013.

www.festivetime.com

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