MORE than 400 children are due to take to the stage tonight for the first of two spectacular Christmas carol concerts.

Pupils from primary and secondary schools across the borough will be joined by youngsters from Linwood School for the Bournemouth Schools Music Association performance at the Pavilion.

See lots more pictures of pupils from Linwood and Bethany schools rehearsing in a gallery here

Hundreds of people have bought tickets for the show, which also includes handbells, newly-written Christmas songs and performances from adults who have performed during the event’s 60-year history.

A Daily Echo photographer took pictures during this morning’s rehearsal and a special commemorative poster has been produced for sale with copies of the paper.

Echo representatives will be selling copies before the show, in the interval and at the end.