VOICES for Hospices is set to be a major musical event in Bishop's Castle on Saturday.

Musicians from the area of all ages are uniting to raise money for two local hospices.

In the afternoon, young musicians will play to raise money for Hope House Hospice and, in the evening, it will be the turn of adults to raise funds for the Shropshire and Mid-Wales Hospice.

"There has been a tremendous response to an invitation to take part in these two concerts," said organiser Philippa Whitaker.

"They are part of a tri-ennial world-wide event. The concerts create a Mexican wave around the world, as groups raise their voices and play their instruments in aid of their local hospices."

The Youth Concert starts at 2.30pm and the evening Concert at 7.30pm, both in the Community College's hall.

The evening audience will hear three local choirs, The Corndon Singers, The Mynd Singers, and Cadenza, in a wide variety of song, together with piano music from Susie Allan, solo songs from Carolyn Draper-Ford and John Geach accompanied by Donald Whittle.

Also on the programme is violin music by Sara Philpott, again accompanied by Donald Whittle, the voice and guitar of Margaret and David Bill, and Hilary and Stephen Tunnicliffe, on cello and piano.

There will also be the first performance of an arrangement of John Lehmann's poem The Sphere of Glass by local composer Don Addy, which he wrote for his wife Eileen, a contralto with flute and cello accompaniment and he, himself, on the piano.

Philippa Whitaker added: "The programme promises to be a most varied and enjoyable event, so come along, enjoy the music and support our local hospices that do so much for patients and families in care and support in time of need."

Tickets are £5, schoolchildren £2 and under 5s free. Call 01588 680312 for further details.