IT’S the return of the popular annual Teddy Bears’ Musical Picnic Concert this Sunday.

Held in aid of the mayor’s charities, the event is being led by the Colne Valley Youth Orchestra at its new home in the Colchester Arts Centre.

The orchestra’s musical director Nigel Hildreth says: “This concert is a perfect way to get children enjoying music played by an orchestra.

“We have them singing along, getting their own teddy bears to dance to the music and playing percussion instruments to help our orchestra along.

“It’s a wonderful event and we’d love to see it packed with lots of children and teddies.”

This year the young musicians are set to introduce a variety of pieces for children of all ages.

They include the Ugly Duckling, Hungarian folk dances, The Pink Panther plus the concert’s namesake, the Teddy Bears’ Picnic.

As in previous years there will be an outing for Nigel’s specially-composed piece inspired by the picture book Giraffes Can’t Dance, by Giles Andreae and Guy Parker-Rees.

As a new item they will be including the Michael Rosen poem We're Going on a Bear Hunt in a new setting by Nigel.

The event offers those aged four and over the chance to have a go at conducting, join in by playing percussion instruments and to sing along.

The Colne Valley Youth Orchestra was set up by Nigel in 1981 and is made up of young musicians aged between 12 and 18.

In 2011, former member Damon Albarn was appointed as its honorary president, and Nigel was awarded an MBE for his services to music.

• Teddy Bear’s Picnic Concert Colchester Arts Centre, Church Street, Colchester.

Sunday, February 7. 2.30pm.

Adults £6, children under 16 £3, under two’s free, family ticket of two adults and two children £15. 01206 500900.

www.colchesterartscentre.com