IT is the heartwarming animated adventure that still remains an iconic part of Christmas after 36 years.

And now The Snowman is being introduced to a new generation in a magical way thanks to some of the UK’s best orchestral musicians.

Raymond Briggs’ story will be screened at the Parr Hall on Thursday, December 20, accompanied by an orchestra featuring members of The Hallé and the BBC Philharmonic.

The blend of Christmas classic and live orchestra has been so successful that Carrot Productions is on its sixth annual tour of The Snowman and this is its third year in Warrington.

Rachel Whibley, managing director of Carrot Productions, said: “It’s the perfect combination of an enchanting story brought to life with beautiful illustrations and perfect music. Even though we’ve now performed The Snowman score more than 150 times – more then anyone in the world in fact – our musicians never tire of playing the music as it’s so well written.

“It really is the highlight of the year for our musicians, with many of them taking time off from their usual positions in orchestras such as the BBC Philharmonic and Hallé to do it. Our audiences are amazed and overawed to experience the soundtrack played live, with many finding it hard to believe that it could be played so perfectly in time.

“Our conductor is able to keep the orchestra in time with split second precision.”

There are two shows in Warrington at 1.30pm and 7pm and the experience has been especially designed for youngsters aged three and above. Part of this is making the orchestra approachable for children by introducing them to all the instruments at the beginning.

Rachel added: “It’s often one of the favourite parts of the show, and each year we write new and fun material to highlight all the individual instruments. This year’s is about a very special sleigh ride.

“We get lots of questions from children – and often adults – about the instruments they see, and welcome people to come for a closer inspection. Favourites tend to be the beautiful harp and the array of noisy percussion instruments!”

A young singer from Warrington will also get to step into the spotlight as part of the show.

Ten-year-old Jake Guile, from Woolston Primary School who attends Sixpence Stage School, will perform the much-loved Walking in the Air solo alongside the live orchestra for the afternoon show.

Ruby Finch, 13, from Widnes, will sing the solo in the evening.

Rachel said: “We thought it would be nice to offer the opportunity to children near to the venue we are performing in as it is such an amazing and enriching experience for them to such an extent that many vow afterwards to become a professional musician.

“They spend the day immersed within the orchestra, so have a rare opportunity to experience what it’s like.”

Carrot Productions will also be screening The Bear and the Piano, based on David Litchfield’s award-winning book at the Parr Hall.

Rachel added: “We commission new material for the first half of the performance each year, with Warrington’s audience getting the chance to see an adaptation of David Litchfield’s The Bear and the Piano. He animated the story for us, then a new musical score was created to accompany it, with the cherry on the top being the narration recorded by Joanna Lumley. From the wonderful reaction from audiences last year, I am sure it will become a classic of the future.”

Talking of classics, Carrot Productions will be working with a certain cheese-loving inventor next year. Wallace and Gromit’s Musical Marvels goes on tour from May.

Rachel said: “We’re so excited about this. Aardman have given us exclusive rights to launch Musical Marvels in May and June 2019.

“We join everyone’s favourite dynamic duo as Wallace prepares to perform his musical masterpiece My Concerto in Ee Lad with help from his faithful canine companion Gromit. This is going to be an interactive experience featuring specially created animations and escapades, followed by a screening of the Academy Award-winning Wallace and Gromit film The Wrong Trousers, with the soundtrack performed by the orchestra live on stage.

“It’s going to be a grand day out.”

The Snowman is at Parr Hall on Thursday, December 20, at 1.30pm and 7pm. Visit pyramidparrhall.com