IN its 40th anniversary year the Alcester Male Voice Choir has been invited to sing at the Royal Albert Hall as part of a festival of male voice choirs.

The festival is being organised by the London Welsh Male Voice Choir.

The choir’s founder and director of music, Judith Land, said: “We have sung in this festival before, but this year is of greater significance at it falls within our very special anniversary year. There will be some 14 choirs on stage, from Wales and, England along with choirs from Norway, Sweden and Africa.

“It is expected that there will be over 800 voices so it will be a tremendous sight and sound. The programme will be varied and includes popular songs, Welsh hymns and spirituals and we are busy rehearsing for our first formal rehearsal in Swansea later on in June.

“I always hoped this year would be special but it is turning out to be quite remarkable, I am immensely proud of our achievements and of course of the choir members who always work so hard and give their best in every concert."

The festival is taking place on October 18. For more information visit royalalberthall.com/tickets/london-welsh-mvc/default.aspx