AUDIENCES will be able to enjoy the BBC classic television series The Box of Delights on the big screen at Salisbury Cathedral.

The unique evening will take place on December 5.

The Box of Delights was first screened on BBC1 on Sunday evenings in the lead up to Christmas in 1984, with the final episode airing on Christmas Eve.

Since then, it has built up a cult following of fans, with its own fan website and Facebook group.

Based on John Masefield’s 1935 children’s novel, the story is a fantasy adventure about a schoolboy, Kay Harker, who is entrusted with a magical box which allows him to time travel, embarking on a thrilling journey to protect the box from an evil magician.

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The television series was hailed as ground-breaking because of its mix of live action and animation and was the most expensive children’s series the BBC had made up to that point. The series went on to win several BAFTA and RTS awards.

The theme music to the television series has become a popular seasonal classic, with its arrangement of The First Nowell from composer Hely-Hutchinson’s Carol Symphony, and the final episode ends with a carol service in the fictional Tatchester Cathedral – making Salisbury Cathedral the perfect venue to enjoy the series.

Salisbury Cathedral has been given special permission to screen the series as part of its programme of Advent and Christmas events.

It will be shown at 7.15pm, with festive drinks available to purchase throughout the evening.

A cathedral spokesperson said: “It is hoped that the screening will attract those who remember the original series on television, offering a welcome dose of nostalgia at this time of year, as well as introducing the festive classic to a whole new generation of children.“

Tickets for The Box of Delights: Festive Screening can be purchased from the Salisbury Cathedral website www.salisburycathedral.org.uk.