HEREFORD will hit the airwaves this month when the city's Cathedral Choir makes a prestigious live broadcast on BBC Radio 3.

The broadcast of the the Cathedral's choral evensong will be aired on Wednesday, January 21, at 4pm and is expected to be heard by more than 250,000 listeners.

Music for the broadcast was chosen several weeks ago but a recent change will be the substitution of a piece by the late Dr John Sanders.

The performance will be of extra significance as it will also feature the Cathedral's world-famous Willis organ in one of its last services before it is decommissioned for restoration, funded through the Heritage Lottery Fund, the following Monday.

Highlights

"We always look forward to these broadcasts, which now have listeners all over the world, who can access the service on the internet via the BBC's website," said organist and director of music Geraint Bowen.

"A live broadcast is one of the many highlights the choristers experience during their time in the choir.

"They have a fascinating day watching the setting up of the equipment, going through the various sound checks, and finally waiting for the exciting moment when the red light goes on."

All are welcome at the service, which is expected to last about an hour.

Those attending are asked to be seated by 3.45pm.