A choir from Beaminster is set to perform a collection of works from famous Renaissance composer William Byrd, in Abbotsbury, on October 21.

The performance is in honour of the influential English composer’s 400-year anniversary, with the event taking place at the village’s historic St Nicholas Church from 3pm.

Parnham Voices, directed by Stephen Tilton, will be performing the pieces from Byrd’s repertoire, as well as other composers including Hubert Parry and Felix Mendelssohn.

All the profits from the event will go to the charity Friends of St Nicholas, who look after the preservation and maintenance of the church.

Paul Sugg, chairman of Friends of St Nicholas, said: “The Friends were set up towards the end 2015, when it became clear that the church funds were insufficient to maintain the fabric of our 700 plus year-old church.  

“The revenues for this concert will go towards important tree-lopping in the churchyard to prevent ingress of rainwater into the walls of the church.”

Byrdsong, as the event is known as, is one of four to six fundraisers put on by the charity annually, with some seasonal performances also scheduled in the lead up to Christmas.

To book a ticket visit for Byrdsong search October 21 on eventbrite.co.uk, alternatively tickets may be available on the door.