Many of the talented young musicians of the Isle of Man will turn out in force at the Villa Marina this weekend.

The many different groups that make up the Manx Youth Orchestra will perform at the Royal Hall this Saturday, December 8, from 7.30pm.

Now in its 47th year, the Manx Youth Orchestra Christmas concert remains a popular festive event, and will feature the skills of more than 200 young musicians, aged between eight and 18 year old, performing in 10 different groups and orchestras.

The junior strings and wind groups of the Manx Youth Orchestra will open the concert, before the Youth Wind Orchestra will play a rousing version of the Star Wars Imperial March.

This will be followed by Spanish classical music from the guitar ensemble.

The big band of the Manx Youth Jazz Orchestra will be playing versions of the songs ’Billie Jean’ and ’Walk like a Dinosaur’ amongst others, and also the String ensemble will be playing three pieces, including an African-inspired tune called Babayetu, taken from the computer game, Civilisation IV.

The evening will finish with a performance from the senior Youth Orchestra, who will be looking to finish their year on a high by performing the Coriolan Overture, by Beethoven, The Dambusters’ March, in honour of the centenary of the RAF, and a selection of Christmas carols.

The senior orchestra held a successful tour of Paris during July this year, performing at many venues , including prestigious concerts at the L’église de la Madeleine and the Church of Saint-Germain-l’Auxerrois.

Maggie Richardson, the head of music services, and also the conductor of the Manx Youth Orchestra, said that there will be something for everyone at the concert.

’We’re looking forward to welcoming this year’s audience to share our festive offerings. This year the programme will include music from Beethoven to pop favourites such as Bruno Mars.

’There’s nothing quite like our Christmas concert in the Villa Marina and our young players are already very excited about it.’

Tickets cost £10 for adults or £5 for under 16s, and are on sale at the Welcome Centre, Villa Marina box office or online from villagaiety.com

All proceeds will go to the Friends of the Manx Youth Orchestra and the homeless charity Graih, as chosen by the members of the Senior Manx Youth Orchestra.