St George’s Church in Esher is throwing open its doors next month, to take part in a nationwide singing event to raise awareness of historic churches at risk.

The church in Esher Park Avenue is participating in Birthday Song on Saturday, October 3, which has been organised for the Churches Conservation Trust’s 40th birthday.

The trust was set up to protect historic churches such as St George’s and cares for more than 300 others by opening them up to local communities for everyday use.

Award-winning choir director John Fisher will be joined at the church in the evening by the IDMC Gospel Choir to sing gospel, traditional and contemporary songs, as well as their own compositions.

The trust is also giving participants the chance to vote for a song to perform on the night, by visiting visitchurches.org.uk/birthdaysong.

During the day, Mr Fisher will conduct gospel singing workshops.

Rebecca Rees, regional manager of the trust, said: “Churches such as St George’s are a vital part of our country’s heritage and a focal point for communities and keepers of our local and national history - but they are at risk.

“The trust believes these magnificent buildings must be conserved for present and future generations by putting them back at the heart of contemporary community life and opening them up for the enjoyment of everyone.

“The concert will celebrate the charity’s 40th birthday by providing people with a fantastic opportunity to experience how these great, historic buildings can be used and enjoyed all year round.

"Singing will bring these spaces alive in a truly wonderful way, harking back over hundreds of years of community use and bringing ancient acoustics to life for everyone to enjoy.”

The evening concert, which takes place between 6.30pm to 8.30pm, is free and tickets for the workshop, which takes places from 2pm to 5pm, costs £10.

To book a place on the workshop, call John Fisher on 07888 689 064.

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