MORE than 70 choristers from the UK’s Cathedrals and Collegiate Choirs are to take part in the 64th Edington Music Festival.

The events from August 18-25 at The Priory Church in Edington will be accompanied by some of the best organists in the country,

The music for the four daily services includes some absolute gems of sacred choral music, including plainchant and works by Byrd, Weelkes, Palestrina, Leighton, Vaughan Williams, Britten and more.

This year’s theme, Laudate Dominum, (Praise the Lord), is all about celebration, examining the relationship between worship and many aspects of our daily lives - public service, nature, education, science, healing and music.

The Requiem Mass returns to its usual Friday evening slot and this year it is the sublime Requiem by Maurice Duruflé.

The festival commission is from David Bednall; ‘Seek him that maketh the seven stars’ will be premiered on Wednesday, August 21 during the annual live recording of Evensong for BBC Radio 3.

One of the great musical highlights will be Benjamin Britten’s ‘Rejoice in the Lamb’ at Evensong on Saturday, August 24, the focus of the week’s music leading up to it.

Regular festival-goers will be pleased that Jeremy Summerly is returning to take charge of the Consort; Matthew Martin continues his direction of the Nave Choir of men and boys, and Peter Stevens leads the Schola in their superb singing of plainchant, at Matins and Compline especially.

Former Festival Director Ashley Grote is one of the great organists who will be playing the organ before Evensong Friday, 23 August.

There are still some places available for the Festival lunch on Saturday, August 24.Booking details are available from Susie Hancock on 01225 754626. For more information, go to www.edingtonfestival.org