The Beacon Arts Centre centre have decided that the show must go on the road and launched an innovative new series of free events for Inverclyde communities.

The festive series includes a staged radio play of ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’, a social dance with tea and cake for older people, a DJ workshop for teenagers, and a magical adaptation of The Elves and the Shoemaker featuring music and puppetry.

Seniors at the Salvation Army in Port Glasgow already enjoyed one of the Beacon's festive social dance sessions last Thursday, with music and moves provided by DJ Ben Vardi and dancers Kirsten Walker and Shona Miller.

Funding from the Weston Culture Fund and Creative Scotland’s Performing Arts Venues Relief Fund has made the 'Beacon on the Road' concept possible and enabled the community programme to be provided free to audiences.

The events are designed to appeal to all ages and it is hoped that those who attend will then come to the Beacon to enjoy future performances.

Karen Townsend, creative producer at the Beacon Arts Centre, said:

“Beacon on the Road is an innovative idea to make the arts more accessible for all, which we are passionate about.

“We’re incredibly excited to be taking some of the highlights of our festive programme into communities, reaching new audiences for the first time."