DESPITE two drenchings I enjoyed Kidderminster Carnival last Saturday.

Between the showers the sun dried us off and I was delighted by the crowds that watched the parade and then congregated at Brinton Park.

It was good to see the delightful Crocus Queen from Husum with our own charming Carnival Queen and her supporters. The organisers are to be congratulated for another superb carnival.

My wife and I were privileged to attend as guests the Centenary Concert of the Kidderminster Male Choir (KMC) during the evening at the Symphony Hall in Birmingham.

It was the most memorable and enjoyable concert that I have ever attended.

KMC were joined by six other male voice choirs from Worcester, Warley, Canoldir Male Choir from Birmingham and from further away from Filton, Ilfracombe and Aber Valley.

The oldest of the other choirs was formed in 1943 by a group of air raid wardens in Warley.

The presence of these singing colleagues was a testament to the respect our own KMC has produced across the country, not only for its musicianship but also for its comradeship and support to other organisations.

The compere was the inimitable Roy Hudd, OBE, Patron of KMC, who congratulated members on the organisation's 100th birthday.

His own blend of delightful humour and his ability to reflect the mood of the more serious items when appropriate contributed hugely to the success of the evening.

The programme included classics like Zadok the Priest by KMC and Nessun Dorma by the massed choirs.

For me the most moving were Dylan Thomas's Sunset Poem and two items from Les Miserables sung by KMC.

The most stirring choral items by all the singers were Comrades in Arms, The Battle Hymn of the Republic, and the finale Morte Christe (When I Survey the Wondrous Cross).

KMC's conductors, Justin Parker and Harry Lewis, aided by the accompanists, Maureen Bowkett and Margaret Tillott produced splendid ranges of tone and volume across the whole programme, whether it was from the 60+ voices of KMC or the 200+ of all the choirs.

The variety of the programme was enhanced by famous guests and again it was a tribute to KMC that they chose to attend.

Keith Hearnshaw, a superbly talented young organist opened and closed the concert and accompanied other items.

He was at one with the massive organ, making it speak of his joy and pleasure in the occasion.

Stacey Kent and her jazz band provided a contrast performing well known and lesser known numbers with panache.

The RAF Regiment Band, under their conductor Flight Lieutenant Chris Weldon, scintillated with an amazing display of virtuosity culminating in their interpretation of Riverdance.

What a tribute it was to KMC for flourishing for 100 years and for putting Kidderminster on the map so effectively and enjoyably.