MINEHEAD Male Voice Choir appears this weekend at one of the world’s most prestigious male choral festivals.

The 40-strong group will sing at the world-famous Eden Project on Sunday, as well as venues in Launceston and Newquay today (Friday) and tomorrow, as part of the biennial Cornwall International Male Choral Festival.

The five day event, which includes more than 50 choirs from Australia, South Africa, Russia, North America, and all over Europe, Wales and the UK, takes in dozens of venues, halls, and churches across the county, opening and closing at Truro Cathedral. Thousands of singers take part.

It represents a major advance for Minehead Male Voice Choir, who visited South Wales to sing on tour two years ago.

Musical director Jackie Butterworth said: “I am delighted to be taking Minehead Male Voice Choir on this trip to the Cornwall International Male Choral Festival.

“It really will be a great experience. A chance to meet other singers, discover new repertoire, and watch other choirs perform.

“There is always great camaraderie between male choirs, and that will be part of the afterglow at each venue where the singing often continues after and beyond the concerts. We are very pleased to be there.”

The performance at the Eden Project, takes place alongside Cardiff Arms Park Male Voice Choir, the Australian Rugby Choir from Melbourne, and Male Voice Choir MM from Finland, as well as two established choirs from the North of England.

Since being launched with 12 members in 2000 by Robert Green and Keith Halstead, Minehead Male Voice Choir has developed into a group with a busy schedule, and will be hosting Cwm Rhonda Male Voice Choir in the town in October this year.

Eminent musical director Jackie Butterworth is joined by Hungarian-born accompanist Monika Bulogh in leading and supporting the group, now with a repertoire of more than a hundred pieces.

For more information please visit mineheadmalevoicechoir.org.uk