The annual Harpdenden Gang Show, performed by Cubs, Scouts and Explorers, is returning in the New Year.

The first show was produced in 1949 and now the cast of the 68th gang has been selected from more than 240 applicants including from 14 Cub packs, 15 Scout troops and five Explorer Scout units across Harpenden, Wheathampstead and Kimpton.

Four months of rehearsals will culminate in six nights of performance in January, with an expected 2,200 people expected to come and see the show of song, dance and comed sketches.

Many Harpenden Gang Show families have been involved since the show’s inception in 1949, with parents and grandparents who were once on stage now helping out behind the scenes.

Producer Ewan Murray has been involved with the Gang Show for 45 years, having first been on stage as part of the Gang in 1972. He has been musical director since 1989 and producer since 1994.

Speaking on a lifetime of Gang Show experiences Ewan comments: “There’s no buzz quite like the Gang Show buzz – whether back stage, on stage or watching. The sheer joy on the faces of the young performers is a sight to behold, and the audiences come back from far and wide every year.”

A few weeks ago some of the Gang visited the Monarch Airlines’ hangar at Luton Airport to do some filming for a surprise feature during the show.

Harpenden Public Halls, Southdown Road, Harpenden, AL5 1PD, from Tuesday, January 10 until Saturday, January 14, 2017. Details: 07855 732432, hwgsshop.org.uk.