Worcester Cathedral’s voluntary choir set to celebrate 150th anniversary

A singing group in Worcestershire are set to celebrate a landmark birthday.

Worcester Cathedral’s voluntary choir will reach their 150th anniversary this weekend, after holding their first performance all the way back on the 11 October 1874.

Hundreds of children and adult choristers wearing the choir’s blue colours are expected to be singing in the cathedral this Sunday to mark the occasion.

Director of the choir Nicholas Freestone says it means a lot to all their members to mark such an occasion, and to be able to perform in such an historical place.

"It has gone through various changes over the last 150 years, but the consistent factor is that nearly continuously, the choir has provided music at the evening service on a Sunday," he said.

"This is something that is unique within Worcester Cathedral, and it's been a really important part of the city and the county's arts and culture theme, and a really important way of getting children into singing and music.

"The cathedral is an amazing building, and anniversaries like this are really important to remind you of everything that's happened over that time, and it's a massive achievement."

A Sung Eucharist service is set to take place on Sunday, with both the cathedral choir and the voluntary choir singing together.

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