THE Forum at Malvern Theatres is the venue for a special St George's Day concert next Friday, April 23.

The concert has been arranged by Malvern businessman John Banner, in association with BBC Hereford & Worcester.

It marks the start of the cricket season, as the next day, John's charity fundraising team, the International Touring All Stars, plays its first match against City Casuals Revisted, at Norton Barracks.

Money raised from the concert - and from the cricket season - will go to BBC Hereford & Worcester's charity appeal and to other local charities and causes.

Making a special guest appearance, and starting the show off in fine style, will be the Worcester Male Voice Choir.

The main entertainment, in the show's second half, will come from Clearwood, the band formed last year by Clive John, Andy Lindsey, Paul Smith and James Elliot-Williams.

The quartet play Clive's original material, as well as a selection of covers, to make full use of the diverse range of instruments available to the band - including guitars, mandolin, whistle, harmonica and double bass. The band has played a number of gigs in the West Midlands since it formed, among them John Banner's end-of-season gig at Huntingdon Hall in September, which was recorded for the CD Clearwood Live.

The night's entertainment is completed with appearances from Reel Bones, a contemporary folk band whose repertoire ranges from traditional Irish jigs to Pink Floyd classics, and Malvern-based Up and Running, who will play a wide range of songs from folk to rock'n'roll.

The whole show will be compered by BBC Hereford & Worcester presenter Dave Bradley.

Tickets for the concert, which cost £9, are available from the Malvern Theatres box office on 01684 892277 or John Banner Promotions on 01684 569285.

Clearwood Live is available from John Banner Promotions at £10, £7 of which goes to the charity fund.