A SERIES of lunchtime concerts at a Taunton church is set to go online.

The popular lunchtime concerts, held monthly at St John the Evangelist Church, in Park Street, usually run between May and November.

However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the concerts had to be cancelled earlier this year.

But now, organisers have confirmed the events will recommence - online - with the first taking place on Friday, August 14.

"This is the tenth series of concerts which are always held on the second Friday of each month," said a church spokesperson.

"Soon after taking delivery of this year's exciting programme in March, we came to realise that our concert season was probably not going to begin as usual on May 8, coinciding with VE Day.

"As a result we have missed providing the promised May, June and July concerts for our local community and the chance to raise funds for various charities.

"The concerts are always free, with a retiring collection which is shared by the church and the performers' own chosen charity."

August performer, organist Jonathan Delbridge, suggested he recorded a concert and broadcast it via YouTube.

More details can be found on the church website as and when they become available at www.stjohnstaunton.org.uk/events

"We are delighted to say that we have just managed to record his programme of lovely English Music, which will be available to watch and listen to as from the day of the planned concert on Friday, August 14, via http://youtube.com/JonathanDelbridge," the spokesperson added.

"You will note that it is the 75th anniversary of VJ Day on the following day, and Jonathan includes a programme of appropriate music for you to enjoy.

"Unfortunately Kevin Hurst, clarinetist, who was due to perform with Jonathan originally, was not able to attend the recording, but he and Jonathan hope that they will be able to do what they had planned together at St Johns sometime in the future.

"We are planning to host virtual concerts, at least for the next four months and hopefully beyond.

"Other than that, we will look forward to welcoming our loyal attendees back to live concerts at some time in the future."