SWINDON CANCER APPEAL: Music lovers are snapping up tickets for a charity concert.

In less than two weeks the Hilton Hotel in Swindon will be alive with voices young and old as the Kentwood Choir takes to the stage.

Sheila Harrod, who founded the choir in 1964, promised an evening of wonderful entertainment.

"It will be what I call a pot-pourri of all types of music," she said. "Classical, jazz and comedy songs will be performed alongside musical theatre, including Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, and Jesus Christ Superstar.

"People enjoy the concert because it is such a high standard every year."

Gillian Thornton, Swindon committee chairwoman, said: "Sheila Harrod and The Kentwood Choir have been wonderful supporters of our committee. The first concert the Kentwood Choir gave us was in the newly opened Hilton Hotel. In fact it was the first charity concert in the Lydiard Suite.

"We have been very grateful to the management of the Hilton for their generosity because we have had all the facilities free since 1994.

"There is no way we could have hired such a superb facility."

The choir will take to the stage in aid of Macmillan the ninth time, having sung every year bar one since the initial concert in 1994.

In that time nearly £18,000 has been raised.

Gillian added: "The atmosphere is very special because the audience is close to the choir.

"Sheila always makes a point of involving the audience which is greatly enjoyed and adds to the atmosphere of the occasion. A number of choir members have even arranged their holidays around the concert."

Appeal manager Graziella Campisano said: "The Kentwood Choir always produces a magnificent show, which is proven by the amount of people who return to the concerts year after year.

"The Swindon Cancer Appeal is lucky to have such wonderful support from such an established organisation in Swindon."

The concert will be held on August 3, at 7.45pm. Tickets are available from Gillian Thornton on 01367 252535 and Jill Greenaway on 01793 521630.

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