The next generation of Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra fans spent the day at Poole's Lighthouse making music and having fun.

The BSO's first ever family open day attracted a large turnout of the young, their parents and longer established supporters of the orchestra on Sunday.

And a few dozen grown-ups were treated to a wonderful sneak preview of the BSO and Bournemouth Symphony Chorus concert with the Band of the Royal Marines at the Royal Albert Hall on Tuesday night.

They sat in on ninety minutes of rehearsals led by BSO principal conductor, Kirill Karabits and heard Verdi's Aida, Sir Hubert Parry's I Was Glad and Tchaikovsky's 1812.

The concert is to be broadcast later on Classic FM with whom the BSO has a highly successful partnership as its 'orchestra in the south.'

BSO chief executive, Dougie Scarfe said: "They have been fascinated, blown away and hugely interested in everything we do. It's a brilliant relationship, a real win win for us." The BSO also had a very strong partnership with the BBC and is likely to feature in the Proms line-up in August.

The hugely popular Karabits also took part in a question and answer session and revealed an announcement is likely in a couple of weeks about his future with the BSO.

There is growing speculation he may extend his contact.

He told the Daily Echo: "Every relationship has a beginning and an end and I don't think we have got to that point yet."

The family day also features tea dances which aim to reach those who are isolated and lonely in the community, instrument petting zoo, song making workshop, the chance to chat with the musicians, face painting, music through the ages and screenings of Peter and the Wolf, set to the score of Sergei Prokofiev.

Mr Scarfe added: "The BSO is an amazing institution, a fantastic asset for the local community."