DAMAGE to Worcester Cathedral has meant one of the most eagerly-anticipated concerts this year has had to be cancelled.

Heavy winds brought in by Storm Arwen caused a stone from the Cathedral tower to fall, causing substantial damage to part of its roof.

Because of this, tonight's (November 27) concert by the Worcester Festival Choral Society has had to be called off.

The concert was to be the first performance by the society in almost two years and the opener to its historic 160th anniversary season.

Ben Cooper, society chairman, said: "We are deeply disappointed that this has unexpected event has happened, especially as it would have been our first post-pandemic concert, and so many music lovers wanted to attend.

"But everyone’s safety is paramount and it’s vital to take this precautionary measure.

"We wish the Cathedral staff well at this difficult time, and hope that the Cathedral is back to normal very soon."

Because of the damage, the Cathedral is closed to visitors.

All ticket-buyers for the concert are being contacted to discuss refunds for the show, which was to be a programme of works by Mozart and Fauré.

Concert-goers can find more details on Worcester Festival Choral Society’s website www.wfcs.online, and on its Facebook page.

Updates from Worcester Cathedral can also be found on its Facebook page.