A packed Southwell Minster enjoyed the 80th Anniversary Concert of Mansfield and District Male Voice Choir (MDMVC).

It also featured the Eastwood Collieries, Bestwood, and St Edmundsbury male voice choirs as well as Ravenshead Swing Band, compered by the Rev Frances Finn, of BBC Radio Lincoln.

More than 450 people in the audience gave the performers a standing ovation at the end of the evening.

Two charities benefitted from the event, led by the Mansfield choir’s concert manager, Lynden Lowe — Hetty’s and Nottinghamshire Blood Bikes.

Presentations were also made to the music team of the Mansfield choir — former musical director Meryl Chambers, for 17 years’ service; accompanist Margaret Ball, for 22 years’ service; and current musical director Ian Grice, for 40 years’ service.

The concert was Margaret’s last event before retiring from the choir. The new accompanist is Maureen Lockwood.

MDMVC chairman Geoff Hursthouse said it was a great concert, adding: “What a way for us to celebrate our 80th.

“It was a special ending, with the opportunity to perform World In Union in the presence of the arranger, Michael Williams.”