BLACKBURN Cathedral is to host special screenings of the classic Christmas animation The Snowman.

The cartoon, based on the book by Raymond Briggs, will be shown accompanied by an orchestra playing live in the cathedral. The iconic song, Walking in the Air made famous by Aled Jones, will also be performed live by a young chorister.

The Snowman will be part of a special family double bill with an animated version of David Litchfield’s best-selling children’s book The Bear and the Piano which was premiered last year.

The story will feature the voice of Joanna Lumley as the narrator.

To round off the show, the orchestra will also perform a festive overture and take the audience on a musical sleigh ride.

There will be three performances on Tuesday, December 11 at 1.45pm, 4pm and 7pm. Each performance runs for around 65 minutes.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.blackburncathedral.com