The choir was founded, and conducted for 27 years, by musician David Aylett, in December 1958. It started as a small choir singing carols for charity and has gone from strength to strength since then.

It now has about 80 members who perform a wide repertoire of choral music with professional conductors, soloists and orchestras.

The first concert of the season is on Saturday November 22 in St Mary's Church, Aylesbury which will feature new work by David Aylett with a choral celebration entitled With Voice Divine – and the well loved Faure Requiem and the Cantique de Jean Racine.

The guest conductor is Will Carslake who will also conduct the popular Carols for Everyone in the Civic Centre on December 4 and a special Carolfest to be held in the Market Square on December 18.

Choir Chairman, Jim Collins said: "This is a very special year for our choir and we have an exciting programme of concerts and other events such as a champagne buffet at the judges lodgings to celebrate this important milestone."

For more info call 01296 641367 or visit www.aylesburyfestivalchoir.org