FOR this Nostalgia edition we wanted to take a look at World Opera Day.

This is a day for celebrating opera and for encouraging people of all ages to develop a passion for opera.

Opera companies and theaters around the world celebrate World Opera Day, and audiences can also tune in online to watch performances.

It is a form of theatre in which music is a fundamental component and dramatic roles are taken by singers.

The performance is typically given in an opera house, accompanied by an orchestra or smaller musical ensemble, which since the early 19th century has been led by a conductor.

Although musical theatre is closely related to opera, the two are considered to be distinct from one another.

Opera is a key part of Western classical music, and Italian tradition in particular.

Originally understood as an entirely sung piece, in contrast to a play with songs, opera has come to include numerous genres, including some that include spoken dialogue.

Major opera companies have begun presenting their performances in local cinemas throughout the world.

European opera houses and festivals including The Royal Opera in London, La Scala in Milan, and the Salzburg Festival, have also transmitted their productions to theatres in cities around the world since 2006.

Here in Cumbria opera has also proved to be popular. There are a number of theatres and cinemas across the county that will occasionally show operatic performances.

These pictures show how people have got involved with opera over the years in Cumbrian communities. We hope that these photos bring back some very fond memories for some of you.