THERE'S just over a week to go before a male voice choir celebrates its final concert of the year.

Hexham Male Voice Choir will celebrate its final concert titled The Magic of Music, at Trinity Methodist Church in Hexham on Saturday, December 14.

The choir was formed with the ethos to foster and encourage male voice singing.

Its core mission has not changed since its creation and encourages men of all ages from all walks of life to join its members.

Ray Taylor, musical director of the choir, joined the group in 2022 having performed in a wide range of groups including Hexham Amateur Stage Society and the Northumbria Chamber Choir.

He took on the role of musical director earlier this year.

He said: "The Magic of Music concert is Saturday, December 14 at 7pm and promises to be an entertaining and enjoyable evening, with a mix of popular and new songs with our returning guests the Notelettes and Ellen Armstrong."

He said this concert will be a significant one for the choir.

“We recently found out that the very first public concert by the choir was in June 1950 at the Trinity Methodist Church.

"And as well as reliving a piece of Hexham history, the concert will be creating some history. This summer James Bell from Haydon Bridge released his first solo album Sunthread on streaming platforms and he is singing a track from his album live for the very first time - a world première indeed!

"The concert is expected to attract both regular and new audiences, with tickets available online and on the door, including festive refreshments."

Hexham Male Voice Choir is a non-profit organisation and exists with the aid of member subscriptions and voluntary donations. 

Concert tickets can be bought online at www.hexhammlaevoicechoir.co.uk.

The choir rehearses every Thursday night throughout the year except during August.

It rehearses at West End Methodist Chapel, Shaftoe Leazes, Hexham from 7pm until 9pm.