MORE than thirty handbell musicians and over 30 singers will combine to present an amazing 90-minute feast of festive music at Dunblane Cathedral this Sunday.

The Handbell Ensembles present their annual Carols and Carillons Christmas Concert in the Cathedral featuring the rich sounds of Scotland’s Russian Choir, Russkaya Cappella from 7.30pm.

All are welcome to attend the event at which all of the Cathedral’s children's, youth and adult handbell groups will perform Christmas music from through the ages from traditional carols to modern festive music.

There will also be much audience participation with a chance to join in singing several well-known carols accompanied by strings, woodwind, keyboards, handbells and percussion.

And, of course, there will be coffee/tea and mince pies in the hall following the performances.

Malcolm Wilson, who leads Dunblane Cathedral Handbell Ensembles, said: "Handbells are one of the world's oldest instruments yet the handbells used today are sophisticated precision instruments which produce a beautifully rich sound.

"Dunblane Cathedral has Scotland's largest range of handbells and this concert gives the opportunity to hear children as young as eight, through to teenagers and adults perform a wide range of music.

"And handbells are very much a visual instrument too as audiences enjoy the synchronised movement of the shining handbells."

Dunblane Cathedral's handbell ensembles, celebrating their 40th anniversary this year, have an international reputation and have appeared many times on television.

Admission this Sunday is £8, with concessions at £5 and children free.

Tickets are also available in advance from Smallprint, Beech Road, Dunblane.