Photocredit: Archive photo of Leominster Priory Choir Practice, October 2025
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 Herefordshire 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 " explains 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. This event is an opportunity to come together and celebrate through music.
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.”
Whether you're an experienced musician or someone who's just 'looks after the music' in your church, this special celebration is an opportunity to keep church music alive for another 1,350 years.