CHURCHGOERS in Frampton Cotterell are preparing to raise the roof during a fortnight of foot-tapping fun.

The congregation at St Peter’s Church is organising the two-week musical festival following the success of a one-day workshop last year.

Organiser Geoff Potter said: "The members of the organising committee have taken courage in both hands and have arranged a fortnight of musical events to take place early in June.

"The organising committee hopes this festival will become a regular feature in the St Peter’s calendar."

The tuneful festivities begin on Saturday, June 6 with a choral workshop featuring a practice and performance of the music of Handel and from Hiawatha.

On the last day, Saturday, June 20, children will be given the chance to learn to sing songs on the theme of a beautiful world.

In the weeks between, there will be performances covering a variety of styles from soprano Susan Weaver, the Keynsham Orchestra, 3MC - Three Men’s Company, Bristol Chamber Choir, the Barn Bells handbell group and the Stokes Singers.

Full Choral Evensong will be sung on the first and last Sundays (June 7 and 21) while the middle Sunday (June 14) will have a Songs of Praise service followed by an illustrated talk on the music of the late local composer Basil Harwood.

He died in 1949 but his works include a large number of hymn tunes bearing the names of local places such as Thornbury, Tockington and even Frampton Cotterell.

Added Mr Potter: "St Peter’s has imposing Victorian architecture and a notable set of stained glass windows depicting the life of Christ and of St Peter.

"It is well worth a visit in its own right."

For further information call Sue Alexander on 01454 778260 or Margaret Hilton on 01454 776503.