ONE of the best things about the festive season has to be the number of special shows, events and concerts all especially for Christmas.

Not only are they entertaining but they also work to get you in the festive mood for what is probably one of the most magical times of year.

Even though the weather may be depressing, the Turner Sims Concert Hall, Highfield, will be generating a warm glow as audiences are invited to two special concerts starting with Fire, Sleet And Candlelight on Thursday at 7.30pm. Folk band Coope Boyes and Simpson as well as Fi Fraser, Jo Freya and Georgina Boyes. It will be an evening of carols, tradition and stories all with the English midwinter in mind.

The following Thursday the BBC Jazz Award winner Ian Shaw and his band will be along to celebrate Christmas And All That Jazz at 8pm.

Tickets for both events start at £7.

Box office: 023 8059 5151