HUNDREDS of choristers from parishes across Dorset will unite to sing at Salisbury Cathedral.

And all are invited to the mass gathering which is taking place on Sunday, June 22.

A total of 300 choristers from Wiltshire and Dorset will perform at the choral festival from parish churches throughout the Salisbury diocese.

The afternoon of choral singing will be led by Nigel Groome, organist and director of music at Beckenham Parish Church and the Royal School of Church music regional music advisor for the South and South West.

The theme of this year’s festival is ‘Life’s Pilgrimage’ and includes music by Archer, Batten, Mendelssohn, Stanford and Wilby.

The service explores, in readings and music, the themes of confirmation, marriage, joy, sorrow, death and resurrection.

It starts at 6pm during which a number of the choristers will also receive Dean’s Award or Bishop’s Award medals which recognise excellence and commitment.

The Salisbury Diocesan Choral Festival Group (SDCFG) administers these awards which will be given on the day by the Dean of Salisbury and the Bishop of Salisbury.

David Halls, director of music at Salisbury Cathedral, will be the organist. He said: “It is always a great pleasure to welcome our fellow choristers.”