A CHANCE to savour an English country garden in full bloom before sitting down for an evening of stirring music is being organised as a tribute to the Queen's Golden Jubilee.

Upton-upon-Severn Arts Music Group (UAMG) is staging a summer concert on Saturday, May 11, with music by Elgar, Vaughan Williams and, of course, the National Anthem, at Birtsmorton Court.

A tour round the gardens at the stately medieval manor house will precede a concert given by musicians hailing from Upton and Colwall and a sit-down tea.

Violinists Josephine Evans and Barbara Dutton, Susan Humphrey on viola and cellist Mary Baron, who together form the Clarence Quartet, will be playing pieces including Haydn's Sunrise Quartet and Schubert's Quartet in A minor (Op. 29).

The soprano voice of Jayne Swann, accompanied by Margaret Dixon on piano, will join in with a selection ranging from Ivor Novello and George Gershwin to Michael Heat.

"The event is open to everyone, and includes an opportunity to tour the lovely gardens, which we hope will be at their best, and full of summertime colour," said UAMG chairman Joan Pearson.

The sit-down tea will follow the concert, which will take place in the Motor Museum at 3.30pm (garden tours start at 3pm).

Organisers say pre-booking is essential, and tickets (priced £10, students and children £5) can be obtained on 01684 592777.