THE Ebor Singers' ever-popular Christmas concert, featuring their annual performance of Benjamin Britten's festive A Ceremony of Carols, takes places at the National Centre for Early Music on Sunday night.

"Benjamin Britten was particularly drawn to Christmas," says Paul Gameson, the choir’s director, introducing Britten's masterpiece, scored for three-part treble chorus, solo voices and harp. "This year, 40 years since Britten died in December 1976, we also explore other seasonal music by him, ranging from his beautiful student work A Hymn To The Virgin to a piece from the 1970s, Canticle IV: Journey Of The Magi, for vocal trio and piano, and a selection from his collection Christ's Nativity."

The York choir's Christmas offering is completed by more familiar pieces by Howells, Warlock, Joubert and Lauridsen, "perfect for the intimate candlelit surroundings of the National Centre for Early Music and a wonderful event for the Advent season," says Paul.

The Ebor Singers’ Christmas festivities will continue into 2017 with a Wassail Dinner on Saturday, January 21. "Wassailing was – and remains – a winter tradition centring on singing, sharing company and being merry," says Paul. "We're looking forward to rounding off the Christmas season with an evening of food, drink and entertainment in the beautiful surroundings of the Merchant Taylors Hall. As well as music, The Ebor Singers will put on their own take of the traditional Mummers Play, with dragons, St George and Father Christmas all making an appearance."

Tickets for A Ceremony Of Carols cost £12, concessions £10, students £5; children under 16 accompanied by an adult may attend for free. Tickets for the Wassail Dinner are £45, to include a three-course meal and musical entertainment.

Details and tickets for both events are available from eborsingers.org/ticket-store; A Ceremony Of Carols tickets are on sale at ncem.co.uk, on 01904 658338 and on the door too; Wassail Dinner tickets must be bought in advance and ordered no later than Friday, January 6.