THE highlight of my mayoral year must be the magic and magnificence of The Three Choirs Festival.

If any other event happens to surpass that wonderful week, then I will be convinced I am in heaven.

It is astonishing, really, that I am a Herefordshire-born lad, and at 77 I had never been to the festival.

It was wonderful to represent our city in the cathedral, and I did so nearly all week. Classical music and chorus is so moving and gets right to the very soul. To sit and be part of the performance is such an immense privilege.

The undoubted privilege of being Hereford’s Mayor has opened my eyes to so many amazing moments in the life of our fabulous city, and our amazing county.

Every event I attend on your behalf has that special uplifting moment that makes me so very proud to be a Herefordian.

We all have so very much to be proud of.

CHARLES NICHOLLS Mayor of Hereford