WHETHER the lead up to Christmas is family time to share daytime panto, sweet film or live music and song or a chance to take a break from all the pressure of the sparkly season by enjoying a talk, evening film or Downright Homespun comedy - the Eastgate Theatre offers all sorts of entertainment to enjoy during this year’s festive season.

On Sunday 10 at 2.30pm local, multi – generational Peebles Concert Band performs a joyful selection of classic winter tunes.

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Instruments give way to intricate harmonies on the following Sunday 17th at 4pm when acclaimed Peebles choir InChorus sings festive favourites mixed with a selection of huge holiday hits. The choir is donating all profits to the theatre.

Disney’s Christmas family film is Wish (5pm on Wednesday 20th). This new musical comedy welcomes audiences to a magical kingdom where Asha makes a wish so powerful that it is answered by a cosmic force - a little ball of boundless energy called Star. Together, they prove that when the will of one courageous human connects with the magic of the stars, wondrous things can happen.

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Adults, looking for a chance to escape from all the tinsel have a range of options in December. On Tuesday 12th at 7.30pm Tweeddale Society presents a talk about Aberdeen’s Northern Picts Venture which is uncovering the archaeology of Pictish society c. 300-900 AD. Presented by Professor Gordon Noble, the talk will also include a look at what the project has been achieving in the south of Pictland and beyond, at sites such as the Eildon Hills in The Borders.

On Wednesday 15th at 7pm artist Ingrid Campbell invites makers to join her to create their own original Christmas wreath. All materials are provided – bring secateurs if possible!

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Downright Homespun Radio Company returns with Peebles own, hugely anticipated, Amerrycana Christmas on Thursday 14, Friday 15 and Saturday 16 December at 7.30pm. There are tickets available for each performance…but very few!

Prefer to sit back and be transported by film? On Wednesday 13th the extraordinary Dame Helen Mirren becomes Golda Meir in Golda (cert 12A), a ticking-clock thriller set during the 19 days of the 1973 Yom Kippur War when the Israeli Prime Minister was faced with the potential of Israel's complete destruction, and had to navigate overwhelming odds with millions of lives in the balance.

The other evening film escape is Nobody Has to Know (cert 12). Set in the glorious landscape of the Isle of Lewis, the film tells the story of Phil who, after a stroke has no

memories from his past. He encounters Millie who will shortly entrust him with his deepest secret: they were in love. Nobody Has to Know is on Wednesday 20 December at 7.30pm. Tickets for all Eastgate events are available on www.eastgatearts.com or from box office on 01721 725777.