THE continuing difficulty of finding a suitable venue large enough sees the traditional New Year's Day concert moved this year to New Year's Eve afternoon, at the Forum in Bath.

But those lucky enough to find somewhere to park will find the London Gala Orchestra stepping back into the tradition and atmosphere of old Vienna to present a Viennese Waltz Spectacular in which the immortal waltz will set the tone: Blue Danube, Emperor, Skaters', Wiener Blut, Gold and Silver all memories from a golden era of the 19th century.

This year the conductor is Stephen Bell, a recent regular guest conductor with the orchestra during its summer open air concert series.

The star of last year's show, Jane Streeton I remember her stunning gown shares the singing with tenor Timothy Evans-Jones who, although he has sung many times with Miss Streeton, will be making his debut with the orchestra.

Together they'll be singing ageless favourites such as the Drinking Song from Die Fledermaus (Johann Strauss), and the evocative Be Mine Dear Love from Kalmanl's Countess Maritza.

While this year's gown remains a secret, Vilia, from Franz Lehar's Merry Widow, like the indoor fireworks, Tritsch Tratsch Polka and the chance to win a bottle of champagne are almost fixtures, but xylophone soloist Jeremy Little may add just a little more fizz with a canter through Merlin's Post Haste.

Tickets: Bath Festivals (01225) 463362.

Reg Burnard