Letchworth Arcadians are gearing up for a seasonal showcase of their musical talents with a concert that takes the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War as its opening theme.

A Peace of Christmas will be performed at the town’s St Paul’s Church in Pixmore on Friday and Saturday evening.

The first half of the concert pays tribute to conflict centenary, based on the story The Christmas Truce – The Place Where Peace Was Found by Hilary Robinson which features the work of local illustrator Martin Impey.

The book, aimed at younger readers, recounts the famous no man’s land ceasefire during the first Christmas of the war, when soldiers of both sides down weapons and met in friendship between the trenches. The story will be illustrated by seasonal music to recreate the emotion and capture the moment when peace was found.

But the mood will be lighter in the second half of the programme as the Arcadians perform joyous seasonal and festive delights including It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas, Frosty The Snowman and JingleBell Rock.

The concert features a strong cast of 22 performers directed by Mary Driver with Mike Payne as musical director.

Performances begin at 7pm and tickets – £10 for adults and £7 for children – are available in advance from 07511 519387 and also on the door each night. Free mulled wine and mince pies will be served.