Enjoy all the fun of the fair at Bishop's Stortford Choral Society concert

Bishop's Stortford Choral Society will sing A Day at the Fair by Jonathan Rathbone and a number of English folk songs at its next concert, on Saturday (June 29).

The composer, a former member of The Swingle Singers, the vocal group formed in Paris in 1962, will be in the audience at Bishop's Stortford Methodist Church in South Street for the performance from 7.30pm.

Rathbone wrote the piece in 2015 for Barnet Choral Society. It involves a ghost caravan, dancing, horse racing, a carousel, pickpockets, love and murder, and the music reflects his work with The Swingle Singers, jazz and pop musicians and choral groups.

Ros Rowe, the society's chairwoman, said: "The Day at the Fair is good fun. We hope people will roll up and join us for this unusual musical ride and that Jonathan Rathbone will love hearing his piece again."

The 100-strong choir, conducted by Richard Brain and accompanied by pianist Liz Hill, will also sing arrangements of traditional folk songs by Holst, Vaughan-Williams and Willcocks.

The winter night shelter for the homeless at Holy Trinity Church will receive all the proceeds from a raffle at the concert and a retiring collection.

Tickets cost £12 in advance from www.singwithbscs.org.uk or Bishop's Stortford Tourist Information Centre in Market Square (tel 01279 715001), or £14 on the door. They are free for students and under-16s. The ticket price includes interval tea or coffee and biscuits.