ONE of the talented groups hoping to wow crowds at Redditch's Community Arts Festival Event (CAFE) later this year will be the Bel Canto Singers.

In the 15 years since the late Des Evans formed Bel Canto, the choir has gone from strength to strength.

It now offers a wide range of music to suit all tastes and ages, ranging from the classics through to jazz and show-stoppers through to pop.

Under the leadership of new musical director John Clark, the choir performed four concerts in December, including a very successful Christmas concert at Kingsley College, and was able to donate £200 to Acorn Children's Hospice.

On March 5, Bel Canto will be performing at Walkwood School and holding a concert in St George's Church on May 21.

The choir will be treating audiences to performances during CAFE and has recently had a grant from Redditch Council which has enabled it to buy new music.

The singers are also planning a party night to celebrate their 15th anniversary in September.

A spokesman said: "We hope this will be a memorable evening and look forward to seeing old and new friends.

"The choir is particularly keen to support concerts in aid of charity and welcomes booking inquiries."

For more details, call 546453.

Meanwhile, a meeting of the Redditch Arts Council committee at the beginning of the month agreed to award £500 to CAFE.

The committee will consider further applications throughout the year and will review the situation in April.

Application forms are available from the secretary Antonia Pulsford on 892268.

Current chairman Roy Thompson resigned at the meeting for family reasons. The role will be filled by current vice-chairman Malcolm Hall until the annual meeting.

CAFE is also to receive a grant of £263 from Worcestershire County Council's Arts Team.