A ROMSEY choir is preparing to host their annual summer concert.

Romsey Youth Choir will be taking to the stage for the ninth year which will feature a range of summer music performed by over 100 young people.

The concert which is set to take place on July 19 will take place at Romsey Abbey.

The choir’s performance is set to include two versions of Eva Cassidy’s Somewhere Over the Rainbow and the American folk song Shenandoah.

Residents will have the chance to be at the centre of the action when the choir will perform some of their songs amongst the audience.

The youth choir will be joined by the Romsey Youth Children’s Choir on the night, where children aged eight to 11-years-old will be performing four songs by themselves.

The Romsey Youth Children’s Choir will then be joining the youth choir for two pieces and there will also be a couple of performances by the Romsey Youth Chamber Choir - a small group of the most experienced members of the choir.

Musical director, Marion Maxey, said: “We are all very excited and we have lots of great music to sing. The summer concert is always one of the most popular events of the year and all of the children have worked very hard so it is going to be a good evening.

“If you have not heard this lovely young choir perform then this is a really good opportunity.”

She added: “The youth choir are very much hoping that this is the first concert where they will be showcasing their new uniform. All the dresses and waistcoats are being especially made and everyone is keeping everything crossed that they will be ready for July 19.”

The event will be held in Romsey Abbey, Church Lane, and will start at 7.30pm.

Ticket prices are £10 for adults, £5 for anyone under 18-years-old and are available from Romsey Tourist Information or by contacting the choir directly on md@romseyyouthchoir.org.uk.

Or to contact Romsey Abbey call 01794 513125.

Romsey Youth Choir was formed in 2010 by Marion and Chris Maxey.

The choir has members aged 12 to 21.

Some of the members travel from New Forest, Chilbolton and Dibden Perlieu to meet up and rehearse with other young people from Romsey on Friday evenings.

The choir have performed concerts in Italy, Austria, Spain and Belgium.

This year the choir will be travelling to Transylvania in Romania to perform four concerts.