A MUSICAL extravaganza at Ellesmere College has raised almost £3,000 for Age UK in north Shropshire and also charities selected by the town’s mayor.

Visitors to the college’s musical event were treated to performances from the Porthywaen Silver Band and Ellesmere College choirs, who entertained an appreciative crowd at the first annual Midwinter Concert since Covid-19, appropriately themed 'Together Again'.

Organiser Anne Wignall, who is also town mayor in Ellesmere, said the concert provided something for everyone, ranging from the band’s version of Fantasia and British Sea Songs, to the choirs' Beatles and Simon & Garfunkle numbers and an Oliver sing-a-long with audience participation.

She added that the evening culminated in a rousing rendition of the well-loved Vera Lynn classic ‘We'll meet again’.

"This was a wonderful evening with great music that brought a smile to people's faces,” said Mrs Wignall.

“We are very grateful to everyone who contributed to the success of the evening.

OTHER NEWS:

“Thank you to the band, the Choral Society and the students, Ellesmere College for sponsoring the event, Ismay's Fashions and Blakemere Vets for selling tickets, and Lakeside Coaches for providing free transport from the town.

“Finally, thank you to the generous audience members who came along and supported us."

The money will be shared between Age UK STW for their work in north Shropshire, and the mayor's charities:­ Ellesmere Food and Warm Clothes Sharing Project and local youth organisations.

Ellesmere College Choral Society will be performing Stainer's Crucifixion on Saturday, March 18 in the College Chapel.

Age UK NSS is holding a ‘Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again’ sing-a-long in the College Arts Centre on May 19 and, looking well ahead, November 3 will see the return of the Annual Shoppers' Lunch at the Town Hall.