THE Spirit of Christmas is a much-anticipated event here on Merseyside and it grows in popularity each year.

It is a 100 percent festive feel good celebration and I'm not alone in looking forward to next year’s shows already.

Why? Because a lot of love goes into these beautifully-staged and paced productions.

Two fairy-light be-decked trees on stage are the seasonal signposts for two and half hours of magic thanks to such painstakingly selected audience-friendly content.

Everything is perfectly-pitched from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra (conducted by Ian Tracey), Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir and the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir.

Last year we said a cheerful goodbye to an old friend - stalwart presenter John Suchet after a dedicated decade.

Now, in his place, is Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason – an inspired choice. The 'super-mum' has no problem slipping comfortably into Mr Suchet’s size 10 shoes. Kadiatu has the right 'feel' for the shows as she introduces traditional carols and newer ones, singalongs, special readings (including the timeless words of Dylan Thomas.

And what better way to have a festive fiesta than with Artist in Residence Pacho Flores with his six trumpets on hand. He brought with him more than his Venezuelan smile.

On screen projections of Christmas scenes enhance the atmosphere and the words to the carols also help entice the wide-aged group audience to join in on the enjoyable singalongs.

I won't mention too many of the 'presents' on offer in this musical selection box, but there Is indeed a merry moment, a piece of poetry or a carol that will touch a chord for everyone.

You can be a virtual global tourist visiting such places as South Africa with Living in a Holy City (youth choir); France with George Bizet’s Farandole (orchestra); Germany with In Dulci Jubilo (choir) and the Ukraine with the moving Carol of the Bells (choir and youth choir).

It is a packed programme – more than 25 songs in all and a diverse range that cannot fail to appeal to all tastes.

O Come All Ye Faithful raised the famous roof and we went on our way with the orchestra providing a joyous Sleigh Ride You will find the ‘spirit’ of Christmases past, present and future in this marvellous mix of soaring and serene music and poignant and humorous passages of poetry and prose.

Verdict: Five stars. Heart touching.

Performances take place on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (December 21, 22 and 23). The performance on December 22 will feature signing by British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreter)

Tickets from 0151 709 3789