A Portishead rock and pop choir will perform at a charity event in Weston-in-Gordano next week.

Vibe Pop/Rock Choir will entertain shoppers at a Christmas market by singing festive songs to get people in the seasonal mood.

Co-director Catherine Smith told the Times: “Wendy Sergeant and I are two local choir leaders who set up Vibe together in January. It’s an 80-strong choir, although about 50 singers will be at the Christmas market.

“We sing acapella arrangements of pop and rock songs of all different styles – anything from Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah to Shine by Take That.

“We’re learning a couple of Christmas songs this term in preparation for our festive concert at Somerset Hall at the end of November, so we’ll have those to perform at the market too. The other songs we’ll sing will be upbeat pop/rock ones.”

Festive markets are being held at The White Hart, off Clevedon Road, every Thursday from 4-9pm up until Christmas. Entry costs 50p, with the money raised going to the Changes Bristol charity.

Vibe will take to the stage on December 7 at 7.30pm.

Organiser Pilar Amores, from Two Crowns Event Management in Portishead, said: “We’re delighted to have Vibe Pop/Rock Choir at our event on December 7.

“They will definitely help create a wonderful atmosphere.

“We’ve secured lots of lovely stalls selling everything from locally-made and sourced food items, festive decorations to interesting gift ideas.”

Crafts, vegan street food, creams, clothes and Christmas tree decorations are among the items which will be sold at the events.

On market days a free transport service will run from The White Hart’s sister restaurant Venga in Portishead High Street from 4-9pm.

Co-owner Chris Yeatman said: “Youngsters who come along will be able to have their faces painted for free by Brushella Face Art.

“We will also have a free Santa post box on site, so children can pop their Christmas wishes in a letter and post it to Father Christmas.

“One of his elves will be dropping in to chat to your little ones and the big man himself is down to make a guest appearance too, if he can spare the time from his duties getting his sleigh packed for his Christmas Eve deliveries.”