ALRESFORD Community Choir celebrated the annual Watercress Festival with Songs of Joy at St John’s Church.

A packed audience enjoyed an eclectic mix of songs during the May 20 concert, from Vivaldi to Bernstein, folk to pop, and, in deference to the theme of the festival, choir members substituted the formality of their usual black and red uniforms for a spectrum of shades of green.

The light-hearted programme ?included some well-known tunes such as Dancing Queen and a selection from West Side Story, which were delivered with huge energy and enthusiasm.

There were some more serious moments, too, with Brahms’ beautiful song ‘How Lovely Are Thy Dwellings’ as the choir remembered with sadness and affection three members recently lost from the bass section. The final song, ‘You Raise Me Up’ was dedicated by choir director Keith Clark to their memory.

This informal performance gave a taste of what’s to come in the choir’s next concert, entitled ‘Spirit of Summer’ on Saturday, July 7, at 7.30pm, when the programme will include folk songs and spirituals from both the old world and the new.

Tickets are available from Oakleaf Stationery on West Street, Alresford, or online at alresfordchoir.com.