OPERA fans will be heading for Blackpool tomorrow as The Chisinau National Opera visits The Grand Theatre.

The company are performing Verdi's Aida tomorrow and Saturday, and Bellini's Norma on Sunday, singing both in the original Italian with English subtitles.

Verdi's opera tells the story of beautiful slave girl Aida and Egyptian hero Ramades, caught up in war, jealousy and revenge.

Norma -- described by organisers as "a powerful and lyrical jewel in the crown of bel canto opera" -- deals with the tragic and forbidden love between Druid high priestess Norma and Roman officer Pollione.

"We have managed to assemble one of the most distinguished selections of international singers it has ever been our privilege to present," said a company spokesman.

"The roles of Aida and Norma will be sung by the brilliant Japanese soloist Manami Hama and the Romanian diva Mariana Colpos, who have already delighted audiences nationwide as Butterfly, Mimi and Tosca."

All performances start at 7.30pm. Tickets costing £15-29.50 are available from the box office on 290190.