THE customary biscuits during the break were replaced by cake at a recent Kington Choral Society rehearsal. KCS has just celebrated 20 years as an organisation based in the Marches border town. Since its reforming in 1996 this enthusiastic group of amateur singers of mixed ages and abilities has performed a wide repertoire of choral music to audiences that now barely fit into St Mary's Church.

"We are in the incredible position of working with high quality professional soloists and musicians who enhance our concerts enormously." Says Tina Syme, KCS chairman. "Since October 2009 our professional music directors have polished our singing and concert performances, and I am really looking forward to our first concert with Robert Evans leading us all through the wonderful Bach oratorio."

This milestone year started with an ambitious programme. May's concert - the sublime Requiem by Rutter and Carl Jenkins' The Armed Man, performed as part of the Kington Remembers programme received wide acclaim.

Kington may be small but membership of the choir has grown to a healthy 60 and reputation spreads far and wide. Members come not only from Kington but from Golden Valley to Leominster, Presteigne and Dolau to Lyonshall.

It's now time for MD Robert Evans to help the choir put the finishing touches to the second part of Christmas Oratorio which KCS will perform on Saturday in St Mary's church. Many have already taken advantage of purchasing early bird tickets, for what promises to be a concert to match the choir's previous high standards. With three of the guest soloists from Harry Christopher's internationally acclaimed The Sixteen, this is an evening not to be missed.

For further information please contact Carolyn Kennard or visit kingtonchoral.org.uk