CHILDREN from across East Sussex are tuning up to perform their version of the Christmas story – with a twist.

More than 3,000 youngsters will take part in this year’s Big Sing concerts, which blend traditional Christmas music with specially-written songs, in 12 shows at four venues across East Sussex and Kent.

This year’s Big Sing is entitled Camel Hot! and features an off-the-wall take on the nativity, including a rockin’ and rollin’ camel, a very itchy stable and the rare chance for Joseph to sing the lullaby.

Each of the 12 concerts will feature one of East Sussex Music Service’s flagship youth ensembles.

Cllr John Barnes, chairman of the East Sussex Music Management Committee, said: “There’s a huge wealth of musical talent in the county and these concerts offer a great opportunity to showcase that talent.

“The excitement and pride the children show lights up the auditorium and makes for a really heart-warming occasion.

“The Big Sing is a major highlight of our musical year and the concerts are always popular. We hope that even more people will turn out this year to support the children and get into the Christmas spirit.”

The concerts kick off at the White Rock Theatre, in Hastings, on Monday 2 December at 4.30pm and 7pm, before moving to the Assembly Hall Theatre, in Tunbridge Wells, on Wednesday 4 December at 5.30pm and 7.30pm.

The De La Warr Pavilion, in Bexhill, hosts concerts on Monday 9 December at 5.30pm and 7.30pm before the series concludes with six shows at the Congress Theatre, in Eastbourne on Wednesday 11, Thursday 12 and Friday 13 December at 5.30pm and 7.30pm each day.