* MIXING Christmas carols, panto madness and the traditional nativity story is a risky business if you don't know what you are doing.

Luckily for Worcester the Claptrap Theatre Company know exactly what they are doing and their nativity concert, being held in St Swithun's Church, Worcester, on Thursday, December 27, looks set to be the perfect post Christmas treat.

The family concert brings together professional actors and community singers and mixes together the nativity story with favourite festive carols. The concert starts at 6.30pm, entry is free and all proceeds will go to Acorns Children's Hospice.

* ANYONE who enjoys the sheer joy of singing is being invited to take part in a series of workshops.

Natural voice practitioner Alice Robin will be leading a series of singing workshops at Pershore's Number 8 Community Arts Centre in the hope of eventually forming Pershore's first ever community choir. The five workshops, called Move On Up, are open to all, regardless of experience or age, on the basis that everyone can get enjoyment when singing songs together.

The workshops, priced £22.50 for all five, take place Thursday mornings, 9.45am to 11.45am, starting from Thursday, January 11. No knowledge of music is necessary and songs will be taught by ear. To find out more and to book call Alice Robin on 01386 882889.

* THERE are only a few days left to see an exciting exhibition of unique ceramics.

Raku is an age-old tradition in Japan which is finding more and more followers in this country. The ceramic is fired in a certain way and the name comes from the way the elements fire and water clash during that firing process.

The Gallery at Bevere is currently hosting an exhibition of Raku featuring works by a range of internationally known artists.

The Gallery at Bevere is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10.30am tp 5pm. For more information call 01905 754484 or visit the website at www.beverevivis.com