This celebrates the Royal Wedding of that day and includes music sung at many royal events This opening free concert will be accompanied by a glass of champagne and wedding cake, and is St Chad’s answer to having our very own celebratory street party!

Following the success of previous Festivals, this year audiences will again be able to enjoy an equally promising host of diverse and highly-entertaining events over four days of the May Bank Holiday weekend, including ‘Cello by Candlelight’ by international cellist Graham Walker on 30th April, and Delius’ Sensous Music for Flute on 1st May, played by Katherine Baker, Principal Flute of the Hallé Orchestra, accompanied by Jonathan Baker. This concert will include the world premiere of Delius’ Violin Sonata transcribed for flute. Also on 1st May, Julian Baker will be giving a lecture – ‘My Life in Music’ and telling anecdotes from 50 years around the world with a horn; his career has included being Principal Horn of both the Hallé and BBC Symphony orchestras as well as the Orchestra of The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, together with being Senior Horn Professor at the Royal College of Music. Julian is father to Jonathan and Katherine (mentioned above) and son of the last Sam Baker, a great doyen of music in this area for many years.

The Festival also includes a performance on 2nd May by the St Chad’s Festival Chorus and the English String Orchestra who will be presenting Handel’s Messiah, conducted by David Leeke, Organist and Director of Music at St Chad’s Church; and Artistic Director of St Chad’s Festival.

David Leeke said: “Once again I am delighted to announce details of our Festival, which will be a superb celebration of music at one of Shropshire’s most iconic buildings, and one which enjoys a marvellous tradition of music and cultural excellence. Our work with the community coupled with our inspiration by the architecture and history of St Chad’s Church, is something we hold dear, and we will be ensuring that people can come along and enjoy some beautiful and refreshing music to suit all tastes. With music by distinguished composers that will both thrill and inspire, two Choral Evensong services, a Festival Eucharist, plus some late-night jazz from Laura Collins and folk music by the Boscastle Busker I consider we have all the ingredients for a wonderful celebration in the lovely setting of St Chad’s. Full details are available at www.stchadsfestival.org.uk or please call Shrewsbury 461371”.

Tickets will also be available from St Chad’s Church Office, St Chad’s Terrace, Shrewsbury, SY1 1JX, Simon Baynes Books, Milk Street, Shrewsbury, SY1 1SZ or Burway Books, Church Stretton.