MUSIC lovers are in for a double treat with two performances by local orchestras.

Blackburn symphony orchestra will perform in King George's Hall on Saturday will piano soloist Samantha Ward. They'll play music by Walton, Chopin and Elgar at the concert starting at 7.30pm. Tickets, costing £7, are available from the box office on 01254 582582.

HANDEL'S Messiah is the next offering from Blackburn Music Society, who will perform at Blackburn Cathedral on Saturday December 9 with the Lancashire Chamber Orchestra.

Tickets cost £10 or £6 and are available from Blackburn Cathedral Shop or by calling the King George's Hall box office on 01254 582582.

THE Cathedral is the setting for another show this week when Blackburn Cathedral Players stage "The Circle" in the crypt.

The show, first performed in 1921, stars Nigel Batterby and Danielle Cruikshank as an ambitious politician with a beautiful but bored young wife.

She is tempted to begin an affair but will the awful example of her mother-in-law -- only just returned from her long exile with her titled lover -- save her marriage?

Tickets cost £8.50 including a pre-show supper or £5. They are available from the Cathedral or by ringing 01254 233492. The play runs from today to Thursday with curtain up at 7.30pm.

BACUP Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society are rehearsing for a Christmas gala night of seasonal music to be shown on Saturday December 9. They will perform at the Empire Theatre, Bacup and tickets are available by calling the box office on 01706 874080.