SOUTHAMPTON's Turner Sims is to host its latest musical marathon for Comic Relief on March 25.

Following the success of Haydathon in 2009, and Beethovathon in 2015, local conductors and University of Southampton alumni Craig Lawton and Paul Ingram return with The Orchestral Decathlon.

Hand-picked musicians from across the south will join forces to perform three concerts in one day. The event will run in tandem with Red Nose Day 2017 and all proceeds go to Comic Relief. Since its launch in 1988, Red Nose Day has become something of a British institution. It’s the day, every two years, when people across the land can get together and do something funny for money.

Craig Lawton enthuses: "Paul and I love coming up with musical projects; to make music; and to make a difference for people - whether that comes in the form of bringing new music to an audience, allowing an 'upcoming' soloist to perform or, in the case of the third marathon project for Comic Relief; fundraising for a charity that changes lives."

With concerts at 2pm, 4.45pm, and 7.30pm, audiences are invited to choose their favourite symphonies, or - even better - experience the entire three and enjoy ten different composers in one day!

Tickets are available from turnersims.co.uk or 023 8059 5151.