A PROGRAMME of festive ferry entertainment is being lined up by Wightlink to bring Christmas cheer to travellers over the holiday season.

Building on the popularity of a series of performances last Christmas and throughout the year, the line-up on selected sailings on the Portsmouth-Fishbourne route will include the Osel Singers, the Isle of Wight Symphony Orchestra String Quartet, Newport Jazz Club, Ryde Chorus and the Isle of Wight Salvation Army Band.

Some of the performers will also be holding collections for their organisations.

Wightlink hopes to add more names in the coming weeks — including youngsters from a local school — and would like to hear from anyone who would like to perform.

Marketing and innovation director Stuart James said: “We are delighted to offer our customers a varied programme of performances throughout December and are looking forward to providing some excellent entertainment during the crossings.

“Some of the performers are groups who we sponsor but others are people who are simply keen to perform in an unusual setting and to entertain those travelling to and from the Island.

"We hope this will help travellers get into the festive mood this Christmas and that the performers will also enjoy their day and in some cases raise money to support their work.”