Families across York and North Yorkshire can enjoy a magical festive treat this December as Carrot Productions brings its acclaimed Christmas concert to York Barbican. On Monday 22nd December 2025, audiences will experience a special double bill featuring the BAFTA-winning classic The Snowman™ performed live with orchestra, alongside a newly commissioned animated adaptation of Peter and the Wolf.
Created in collaboration with Georgian 2D animator and animation director Tsotne Rusishvili, Peter and the Wolf presents a bold, beautifully crafted reimagining of Prokofiev’s famous tale, supported by a newly arranged score by Daniel Whibley. Combined with the enduring magic of The Snowman™, the performance offers a heart-warming festive experience full of live music, animation, and storytelling suitable for all ages.
In a unique interactive twist, musician and presenter Sean Chandler will provide a special video teaching audiences how to sign Walking in the Air using British Sign Language. Families are encouraged to use the signs during the massed rendition of the song at the end of the concert.
The York Barbican, known for its excellent acoustics and welcoming atmosphere, will host a professional orchestra drawn from the Hallé, BBC Philharmonic, Manchester Camerata, BBC Concert Orchestra, and more. Two exceptionally talented local young soloists, 11-year-old Luna Zoeller-Hare and 17-year-old Brydie O’Hanrahan, will perform Walking in the Air, giving them the unforgettable opportunity to sing alongside professional musicians in an iconic venue.
Rachel Whibley, Managing Director of Carrot Productions, said:
“York Barbican is always one of the highlights of our tour. There’s a wonderful warmth from the audience, and the combination of the orchestra, our animations, and the young soloists creates a really joyful festive atmosphere. Sharing these stories with families in York is something we look forward to every year.”
At the end of the performance, audiences are invited to join Classic FM’s Big Christmas Chorus, singing Walking in the Air with the orchestra to raise funds for Global’s Make Some Noise charity.
The York concert is part of Carrot Productions’ 2025 National Snowman Tour, featuring 31 shows across 12 locations, including Stockport, Oldham, Derby, Durham, Hull, Buxton, Guildford, Birmingham, Salisbury, St Albans, and Chester.
Tickets for the York Barbican performance are on sale now. Families can also view Sean Chandler’s BSL video ahead of the show.
