The West Cumberland Choral Society is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a special performance of Handel’s Messiah.

In the wonderful setting of St Bees Priory this Saturday, this celebrated oratorio will be skilfully conducted by Dorothy Edger featuring the talented vocal soloists from the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester – soprano Ann Wilkes, mezzo-soprano Eleanor Watts, tenor Cillian Donaghy and bass-baritone Tim Bagley.

The trumpet shall sound in the adept hands of RNCM student Ben Jarvis.

The choir will be augmented by select tenor and bass choristers from the renowned music college. The Priory’s resident organist Frank Bowler will accompany on the harpsichord, along with a distinguished quartet of string players from the north of England.

The West Cumberland Choral Society has performed Messiah nearly every year since its inception in 1969.

Refreshments will be served at the end of the concert.

It all begins at St Bees Priory at 7.30pm on Saturday. Tickets are £7.50 (students £3 and under 18s free) and will be available on the door, call (01946) 825255 or visit www.westcumberlandchoralsociety.org.uk