A PRESTIGIOUS venue outside Whitchurch will be kicking off 2023 with one of the previous year's biggest occasions as it hosts a delayed Platinum Jubilee event.

An exciting evening of music and song in the historic panelled Library at Combermere Abbey will be on Friday, January 20 at 7pm, with 100 lucky guests being treated to a rare opportunity to enjoy a programme of well-known favourites from the world of musicals and opera surrounded by 890 years of local history.

Combermere Abbey owner Sarah Callander Beckett said she was looking forward top hosting the event for Dodcott-cum-Wilkesley Parish Council as part of their delayed Jubilee celebrations, and explained that the evening's entertainment had a local feel to it.

She said: "We are delighted to host this wonderful event at Combermere.

"With its centuries of parish connections, it is a privilege to support the Parish Council’s amazing Jubilee year activities and to honour our late Queen Elizabeth II.

"I am thrilled we can once again invite people into our home to enjoy this special occasion.

"The evening has been created by two well-known local musical legends, conductor/composer John Moore and pianist/organist Richard James and will be supported by three world-class and well-known performers – baritone Twm Tegid Brunton, soprano Holly Teague and mezzo-soprano Samantha Lewis."

The stunning medieval panelled room, originally the Abbey refectory can seat up to 100 visitors, and has been enjoyed by many local residents over the past 30 years when Sarah first began hosting a series of popular concerts and lectures.

The concert will be the final event promoted by the Dodcott-cum-Wilkesley Parish to celebrate and honour the late Queen’s Jubilee Year.

During the past year, the parish has raised monies with a series of Jubilee events to support the two community halls in Burleydam and Lightwood Green.

Spearheaded by the parish council, it has engaged with individuals and businesses to put on a wide range of fundraising events – a raffle, a quiz night and the Queen’s Green Canopy tree planting.

Tickets cost £30 and include a glass of Prosecco and canapés.

Doors open at 6.30 pm and the concert begins at 7pm.

To book tickets please email: sales@combermereabbey.co.uk and put Jubilee Concert in the heading.