After 71 years making music in the borough, a choir will host its last concert before the group goes its separate ways.

Ilford Choral Society, based at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Fencepiece Road, Hainault has decided to close due to declining membership and rising costs which means that members can no longer afford to put on concerts.

Many singers who went on to become big names in the musical world appeared as soloists with the society, including Kathleen Ferrier and Janet Baker.

Their final performance will be on Saturday (December 1) at St. Margaret’s Church, Balfour Road, Ilford, 7.30pm.

The programme will include excerpts from Bach’s Christmas Oratorio and Handel’s Messiah, as well as carols and other seasonal music.

Tickets are �10 (�8 concessions) and are available on the door.