Worcester Cathedral’s regular Evensong was a bit of a birthday party last weekend - with civic dignitaries on the guest list.

The invitations were sent out by Worcester Cathedral Chamber Choir, which sang at the service on January 26, which was billed its 20th Anniversary Evensong.

The event was following up with a celebration reception in the Chapter House.

But the anniversary celebrations are set to continue.

A spokesman said: "Further events lined up for its anniversary season include a performance of Brahms’ German Requiem in April and a summer gala dinner.

The choir is also hosting a fund-raising ceilidh on February 9 in Peopleton Village Hall."

The spokesman added: "Saturday’s occasion was the first big event for the group, which was launched in 1998 by then lay clerk Stephen Shellard who wanted to gather Worcestershire’s best amateur singers into a choir that would be the cathedral’s first male and female singing group in its 900 year history."

Much of the music sung is from the traditional Anglican Church Music heritage.

But In 2012 and 2013 the choir provided the vocals for a series of mystery plays produced in the cathedral and this in turn resulted in an invitation to provide the choir for the Rick Wakeman shows in Cheltenham in 2013.

The choir’s recordings, ‘Sing, Choirs of Angels’, ‘Jerusalem’ and ‘A Worcester Evensong’, have featured on a variety of local and national radio broadcasts including Classic FM.

Mr Shellard, who is now the senior lay clerk said: “We’re a high quality and innovative group which alongside our regular cathedral service and concert programme commitments, is looking to work in partnership with local organisations for mutual benefits."

“We are also committed to bringing further ambitious and innovative programmes to the city that will not only add to its cultural life but reinforce Worcester’s reputation as a great place in which to live, work and visit.”

For more information: www.worcestercathedralchoir.co.uk