THE Edington Music Festival celebrated its 60th running last week by remembering those who helped forge the events international reputation.

Festival administrator Peter Roberts said: “It was very good indeed despite being wet for the first three days but the music was very nice and it was an excellent way to celebrate the 60th running.

“Lots of people came back to hear the special composition and I think people really liked being able to see former members from the beginning of the event with the pictures and biographies that we had hung round the church.

“Some people were really surprised to find out that certain individuals had been involved in the festival throughout its history.

“To pick one moment from the week would be impossible as there were too many great moments but the requiem, which honoured those we had lost this past year, was emotional.”

First held in 1956, the festival was founded by the Rev Ralph Dudley and David Calcutt in response to concerns that church choirs were being cut to save on money and in a bid to keep the tradition of choral singing alive.

Since then the festival has become one of the oldest annual events of church music in the world.

Taking place from August 23-30, a total of 26 services were held throughout the week with hundreds of people attending.

Music played this year included polyphony from Tallis, Byrd and Buxtehude, through to 20th century with music from Pärt, MacMillan and Messaien, via Mozart, Haydn, Samuel Wesley and Stanford.

The Choral Evensong, held on August 26, was broadcast live on BBC Radio 3 and the service on August 28 was a Solemn Requiem to commemorate those who contributed to previous festivals but have passed away.