The countdown is under way for Mansfield and District Male Voice Choir’s 80th Anniversary Concert at Southwell Minster in October.

The choir, which in April appeared at the Royal Albert Hall, London, as part of A Festival of Massed Male Choirs, will sing alongside two fellow Nottinghamshire male voice choirs — Bestwood Male Voice Choir and Eastwood Collieries’ Male Voice Choir .

Also appearing at the minster concert on Saturday, 5h October, will be St Edmundsbury Male Voice Choir, from Suffolk, and Ravenshead Swing Band.

It promises to be one of the biggest male voice festivals in Nottinghamshire this year and include classic male voice choir pieces, hymns, and modern songs, all contrasted with the swing band sound.

Proceeds will go to two charities, Hetty’s and Nottinghamshire Blood Bikes.

Tickets, priced £20, are available from choir secretary Eileen Lawrence on 01623 455373; Southwell Minster Shop, Church Street, call 01636 812933; and at www.mansfieldmvc.co.uk

A week before the minster date, Mansfield and District Male Voice Choir will be special guests at Newstead Brass Band’s 50th anniversary Brass Spectacular at the Palace Theatre Mansfield, on Saturday, 29th September. Tickets are available at www.mansfield.gov.uk/palacetheatre

***

In July the choir participated in the fourth annual Bomber Command Day at International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC), Lincoln, which was the heart of Bomber Command during the second world war.

A spokesman for IBCC said: “We are very grateful to the Mansfield and District Male Voice Choir, who were in fine voice and have been a great addition to our International Bomber Command Day.”

The centre serves as a point for recognition, remembrance, and reconciliation for Bomber Command. Providing the most comprehensive record of the command in the world, IBCC ensures that generations to come can learn of its vital role in protecting the freedom we enjoy today.

While at the centre, bass singer and choir marshall Philip Millns found the name of his uncle, Reginald Millns, inscribed on the Walls of Remembrance.

Aged 19, Reg was a rear gunner in 49 Squadron when he was killed on 26th March, 1944. He is buried in Rheinburg War Cemetery, near Essen, Germany.

The event was also notable for five new choristers, who made their performance debuts — baritone Steve Cree, second tenor Paul Bennett, bass Phil Hurt, baritone Barry Robinson, and first tenor Dave Evans.

Mansfield and District Male Voice Choir meets on Tuesdays at St Augustine’s Church, Mansfield, at 7.30pm.