TAUNTON will host several concerts at St John's Church and Taunton Minster to celebrate International Organ Day (Saturday, April 20).

There will be an event entitled 'Popular Pieces and Curious Collaborations' at St John's at 11am with organist Andrew Carter - this will showcase the organ in various roles as soloist and collaborator with other instruments, including piano, electric guitar, and voices.

Then, also at St John's, from 12 noon to 1pm anyone who would like to try the organ, especially if they already play the piano, and are aged eight to eighty, is invited to have a go.

In the afternoon at Taunton Minster, there will be a special Afternoon Tea Concert from 3pm to 3.45pm given by Arthur Hope-Barton (Organ Scholar at Sherborne Abbey and Sherborne School) followed by delicious tea and cakes in the coffee shop.

On Sunday, April 28, the Elegance Duo has finally been able to plan its post-lockdown debut as part of the Spring Romance event.

Julia Nothridge and Ekaterina Northridge will be making a welcome return to Taunton to give a concert with music dating from the Romantic Period.

No need to buy tickets, just turn up and enjoy.

Then enjoy tea and cakes and a chat with friends. There will be a retiring collection to defray concert expenses.

More information if required is available from the churchwarden on 01823 710748.

The Lunchtime Concert series for this year will be going ahead as usual with the first concert taking place on Friday, May 10.

It is hoped that a leaflet giving details of all the concerts will be available shortly.

All concerts are also advertised on the TAPA website (https://tapa.org.uk/) so anyone interested in attending can access information by checking that website.