Hallelujah! Handel’s Messiah is returning to Worcester Cathedral.

And it will get you on your feet in good time for Christmas.

A spokesman said: "If you’ve always wanted to stand in awe for the thrilling Hallelujah chorus, as King George II did at its premiere in 1742, now’s your chance.

"The region’s leading large classical choir, the 150-strong Worcester Festival Choral Society, is bringing this exciting music to Worcester when it performs Handel’s Messiah at Worcester Cathedral on Saturday, December 7 at 7.30pm."

The spokesman added: "One of the world’s most popular choral works, Handel’s Messiah is packed with other well-known choruses including For unto us a child is born, and stunning solo arias such as the trumpet-accompanied The trumpets shall sound.

"Joining Worcester Festival Choral Society are internationally acclaimed soloists: soprano Susanna Fairbairn, mezzo soprano Joyce Tindsely, tenor Nick Pritchard and baritone Njabulo Madlala. Accompanying is the Meridian Sinfonia, playing period-pitch instruments. Worcester Cathedral’s director of music, Samuel Hudson, conducts."

Ben Cooper, Chairman of Worcester Festival Choral Society, added: “Hearing Handel’s Messiah is thrilling.

"It’s an occasion you never forget. No wonder people look forward to it every year!”

Established in 1861 and closely associated with Sir Edward Elgar in its early years, Worcester Festival Choral Society’s auditioned singers are selected from across the County.

Today the society stages three major concerts in Worcester Cathedral each year, performing some of the world’s great choral works.

Messiah was composed in 1741 and was first performed in Dublin on 13 April 1742.

It is customary to stand for the Hallelujah Chorus, because George II is reputed to have stood upon hearing it, although this report comes from a letter written well after the event.

Messiah tickets: 01905 611427.