A MASSED gathering of over 350 choristers from parish churches from throughout the Salisbury diocese will take place at Salisbury Cathedral on June 8.

An afternoon of choral singing will culminate in a special Festival Evensong "A Festival of Psalms" at 6pm, during which about 30 choristers will also receive their Dean's Award or Bishop's Award medals.

David Halls, director of music at the Cathedral, said: "We think it is really good to bring together as many choirs from around the diocese as possible to sing alongside our own cathedral choir.

"It is wonderful for small choirs to be able to tackle much more demanding repertoire than usual in the company of many others.

"For our part, it is always a pleasure to welcome our fellow choristers from the parishes and it is always exciting to hear the results of everyone's hard work on the day."

The Salisbury Diocesan Choral Festival Group (SDCFG) administers the Dean's and Bishop's Awards which recognise excellence and commitment in choristers throughout the diocese. The awards will be given on the day by the Dean of Salisbury and the Bishop of Salisbury.

The Festival organist will be David Halls and the Festival Conductor will be Daniel Cook, Asssitant Director of Music at the cathedral. The Festival is hosted by the SDCFG and all are welcome to the Diocesan Choirs Festival service A Festival of Psalms' at 6pm.