A REDDITCH choral society is celebrating its 50th anniversary by putting on not one, but two, special concerts.

Redditch Choral Society was set up in 1964 by Alma Bright Clarke and since then has continued to go from strength to strength.

To celebrate this special milestone the society will be putting on two concerts over the next year, thanks funding from Redditch Borough Council.

The society recently received £500 from the council as part of the arts development programme.

Founder Alma Bright Clarke said: “I hope people come and enjoy our anniversary concerts. The funding from the council is welcomed and will be used to help finance the very special programme of events being planned by the society.

"We hope to continue bringing music to the people of Redditch for another 50 years to come and it brings me great pride to know that the group is still flourishing after all this time.

The first of the two shows will take place this Saturday, November 15 in St Stephen’s Church from 7.30pm.

It costs £12 (£10 concession and accompanied children free) and features a performance of parts of Handel's Messiah and Bach's Christmas Oratorio with soloists Katie Leaver, Kelly Forrester, Brett Elesmore and International Eisteddfod winner, Andrew Griffiths.

Ticket price includes tea or coffee, and can be purchased by ringing 01527 546735 or visiting the church.

A performance of Bach's great work, the St Matthew Passion, is planned for June 6 next year.

Huw Moseley, the council's arts and events officer, said: “It is an incredible feat for any amateur society to reach their 50th anniversary, particularly as many of them rely on their volunteers to keep them going.

"Redditch Choral Society should also be celebrating their ability to bring music to the ears of local people at an affordable cost and central location."

He added: "Hopefully this funding means they can continue to do so for many years, as well as widening their audience.”

For more information about the society, call 07725 893744.