A diocesan musical celebration of 1350th Anniversary to take place in April
This spring, Choirs from across Herefordshire are invited to a very special celebration of music and faith that will be held at Leominster Priory on Sunday 19th April.
The special evening service is part of celebrations to mark the 1350th anniversary of the foundation of the Diocese of Hereford in 676 AD. The event which will take place at Leominster Priory will showcase music spanning the centuries, featuring works by local composers both past and present, alongside popular hymns that everyone can join in singing.
Before the service begins at 6pm, young organ scholars from the Diocese of Herefordshire Organists' Training Scheme (DHOTS) will perform, demonstrating the next generation of musical talent in the county.
"This is a celebration of everyone who keeps music alive in our churches," says Hilary Norris, who is the driving force and one of the leaders behind the April event. "From organists and singers to bellringers and instrumentalists, these volunteers play a vital role in our communities, often working quietly behind the scenes."
Church choirs of any size are invited to participate in the event at the Priory which organisers hope will attract choral music enthusiasts from across the diocese – which includes 400 plus Church of England churches and near 80 Church of England schools, which spans Herefordshire, south Shropshire and includes a scattering of churches in Wales and Worcestershire. Any choirs or school music leaders who might be interested in attending are encouraged to register interest, by contacting fellow event organiser, Nick Russell, by 14 February.
For many church musicians, especially in smaller parishes, leading or being part of a choir or playing the organ can sometimes feel a bit dispiriting, especially when there are too few to perform certain arrangements and congregations are small. The role of MMM and DHOTS exist to offer practical help, training workshops, networking opportunities and fellowship, particularly by singing together.” Adds Hilary. This is made even better because there’s no membership fee.
For some churches across the diocese, developing closer partnerships with local church of England schools has helped to engage a new generation in church music. Children learn about the choral tradition through the choir school programme linking the requirement for national curriculum to matters of social justice and learning the choral traditions of evensong. Choir school was a huge hit with children at St Thomas Cantilupe CE Primary School in 2024. Hot on the heels of this success, Holy Trinity church in Hereford, last year, welcomed children during Easter holidays for a one-day workshop which included singing and trying out the church organ. More recently Leominster Priory have been working with Stoke Prior Primary School Choir, who join them for special services and events. This has resulted in three new members joining Leominster Priory Choir as regular choristers.
Alongside the celebration event in April, MMM are hosting a series of ‘Come and Sing’ events in Ross-on-Wye, Ledbury and Leominster throughout 2026. “Small choirs get the chance to perform a more ambitious repertoire within a larger, supportive group.”
“MMM and DHOTS offer training.” Adds Hilary. An event which is planned for mid-July aims to really enhance music in smaller churches. MMM and DHOTS hope to welcome choirs, organists, choir leaders, clergy and anyone interested in supporting music in their church to attend. The topics that will be covered during this event will include basic conducting, flexible repertoire, manageable safeguarding, involving children and building choirs.
“The evening in July will also see DHOTS launch of a new collection of beloved hymns in simplified arrangements, designed specifically for less confident organ players—a practical resource many rural churches have been waiting for” she adds.
MMM and DHOTS are supported by four major churches in the diocese: Leominster Priory, Holy Trinity Hereford, St Mary's Ross-on-Wye, and St Michael's Ledbury. Together, they've created a network of experienced musicians, singers and players ready to help with everything from choosing suitable music to involving children and navigating safeguarding requirements.
"Whether you're an experienced musician or someone who's just been asked to 'look after the music' in your church, MMM and DHOTS are here to help," Hilary concludes. "Let's keep our wonderful tradition of church music alive for another 1,350 years."
To join MMM or to support their work or simply to find out more about what they do, visit the website; you can learn about DHOTS by emailing Grahame Taylor.
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