A "COLLECTOR of songs" will be reaching in to his old kitbag to dig out tunes from the two World Wars.

Singer, dancer and instrumentalist, John Kirkpatrick, has been one of the most prominent figures on the English folk scene for many years.

He will bring his show, Tunes from the Trenches, to Worcester's Huntingdon Hall on Saturday (November 7).

He has performed and recorded extensively both as a soloist and as a member of duos, groups and bands, presenting a repertoire of music, songs and dances firmly rooted in traditional English practice.

He is also regarded as a fine exponent of the button accordion, the Anglo concertina and the melodeon.

Tunes from the Trenches will feature a smattering of the popular hits of the day — designed to keep the spirits high, raise a smile, share a chorus and provide a moment’s respite from the horrors — including Pack Up Your Troubles and Run Rabbit Run.

In addition, John will air some of the songs sung on the Front Line by the service personnel themselves.

John said: "I am really looking forward to the show, especially as it gives me the chance to perform a collection of songs that were so important to the ordinary folk of both the First and Second World Wars. I have always been an avid song collector."

He will perform songs in period costume to add to the night of nostalgia.

Last year, people around the world marked 100 years since the start of the First World War, which lasted from 1914 to 1918, and saw millions of soldiers and civilians killed.

The show starts at 8pm and tickets cost £13.

They can be purchased by either calling the Worcester Live box office on 01905 611427 or visiting www.huntingdonhall.co.uk.