IAN McMillan, the artistic director and conductor of the London Pops Orchestra, has me totally excited about this Saturday's show at The Anvil in a matter of minutes.

Fair enough, I love Christmas anyway - but their festive extravaganza, with its sing-alongs and audience participation, should be enough to get any old Scrooge in the holiday spirit.

Ian enthuses: "I like to get as involved with the audience as I can, so that there's no barrier. We give people song sheets and encourage people of all ages, from one to 92, to sing along.

"We have competitions and games, and even do an aerobic session to a Sound of Music medley! It's quite a mad concert, decorated as a winter wonderland, with lights and even a carrot for Rudolph, and great fun.

"We even have a visit from Santa and Frosty the Snowman!"

Well, I know I'll definitely be there.

Does he enjoy all this fuss, even though it must be so tiring to be a part of?

"It can be exhausting, but we've always felt that this sort of music has enormous appeal. We always get a terrific reception because it's so different.

"It's interesting that we also appeal to the 20 to 40-year-olds who don't tend to go out as much.

"It's an orchestra that's entertaining. We play music from stage and screen but, when we started, we were playing those hits before anyone else realised their box office potential, and how they could put money in the coffers to justify classical concerts.

"We do Abba, The Beatles and the Carpenters, and we get a great response to that, but I also try to look at what other people are doing to make sure that we are pioneers.

"It would be nice to think that we are trying to reach a market who don't always have the chance to go to a concert."

London Pops, who are a mixture of professional West End musicians and TV and film session musicians, will bring 24 people to The Anvil, but they can have up to 80 for when they play larger events.

They have played a lot with Gary Wilmot, a recent visitor to the town, and will celebrate their 21st season next year.

"We're very excited to be playing The Anvil," Ian assures me.

"So if pop-style arrangements, performed with enthusiasm and commitment, sound like your thing, come along!"

Tickets for the London Pops Orchestra, priced £14, are available from The Anvil box office on 01256 844244.