The best carol concerts for Christmas 2010

Durham Cathedral Both of the latest BBC Young Choristers of the Year, one girl and one boy, will join voices in a carol concert accompanied by the cathedral organist and a brass ensemble. It will be a historic mingling of the sexes, since male and female choristers will be perfoming in a Christmas concert for the first time since girls were admitted last year to the cathedral choir school. ▶ 18 December, 7.30pm. Tickets from £7, 0191-332 4041. Carols on the Hill, Windsor The Band of Blues and Royals is one of two mounted bands in the British army and its brass bandsmen provide fanfares at state ceremonies. At Christmas they blast carols (horselessly) from the gates of Windsor Castle as part of an outdoor service of readings and prayers, and passersby can pick up a service sheet to add their voices. ▶ 17 December, 6pm. windsor.gov.uk/site/whats-on Trafalgar Square, London The vast Christmas tree donated each year by Norway illuminates the choirs who sing carols nightly through Advent beneath Nelson's Column. Donations go to charity and everyone can join in. ▶ 7-22 December 5pm-9pm. london.gov.uk/trafalgarsquare/events Kenilworth Castle, Warwickshire Festive glee echoes round one of England's most spectacular medieval ruins. The Kenilworth Lions perform with the Coventry Salvation Army brass band and local schoolchildren around a giant Christmas tree. ▶ 18 December, 6pm. Tickets £3 plus English Heritage Admission charges. www.english-heritage.org.uk Stirling Castle, Stirling Inside the 15th-century castle, the great hall will be lit by candles as some of the National Youth Choir of Scotland sing carols and performers narrate festive stories. ▶ 19 December, 6-8.30pm. £12 (£9 concessions). Stirling Castle, Castle Wynd, Stirling FK8 1EJ. www.stirlingcastle.gov.uk , 01786 450 000