A CHOIR group had plenty to sing out loud about — to mark a special anniversary.

Affetside Choir, which was formed at Christmas 1983, held a day of singing to celebrate its 30th year.

The ‘Singing Day’ was staged at the Pack Horse Inn, in Watling Street, Affetside, on Saturday from 9.30am until 5pm.

Jackie Kay, vice chairman of the group, said: “We had an absolutely super day.

“Everyone was brilliant.

“As a group, we try to involve everybody. We have a great following, and we never let anybody down.”

Ms Kay joined the group in 1984, before serving as chairman for more than 20 years. Affetside Choir performs at concerts, weddings and fundraising events across the borough.

The choir’s repertoire includes medleys of popular musicals such as Les Miserables, Mary Poppins, Chicago and The Lion King.

After seeing around 30 people turn up to rattle off such classics on Saturday, Ms Kay says she is still looking to add to the group.

She said: “We’re a very friendly group and we would love it if more people could get involved.”

Ms Kay added special praise for the Pack Horse, where some of the choir members go after rehearsals on Monday evenings.

She said: “We enjoyed it so much there, I can definitely see us going to the Pack Horse Inn.

“All the staff were wonderful. I couldn’t have asked for more.”

The Pack Horse Inn is not the only place where members of Affetside Choir have showcased their talents.

The group has also toured across the country and abroad, including trips to France, Italy and Spain.

Affetside Choir has three more concerts planned this year — at The Longfield Suite, Prestwich, on December 6, St Mary’s Parish Church, Radcliffe, on December 14 and Walshaw Hall Residential Home on December 16.

In total, the group plans to hold concerts across all six areas of the borough before next August.

The group meets every Monday at 7.30pm at Affetside Church Hall.

For further information call Susan Woodward on 0161 7641328 or email john.sue.woodward@ gmail.com.