A Hitchin school will be hosting a well-known jazz singer in association with a community choir.

Strathmore Infant and Nursery School in Old Hale Way will play host to renowned gospel, jazz and soul singer/coach Wayne Ellington.

The busy Manchester-based star will take time out from his nationwide tour of his solo show, ‘Wayne Ellington sings Nat King Cole’, in Hitchin on Saturday.

The event is sponsored by Covenant Praise Community Choir, led by local music teachers and performers Kevin and Elaine Simpson.

Elaine said: “The buzz people get from singing and making music together is like no other.

“The choir has this opportunity every week and we wanted to extend this experience to anyone who wants to do something different on a Saturday.” Participants will learn and perform a selection of gospel inspired songs with moves and solo singing opportunities, all under Wayne’s energy and inspirational direction.

Wayne – who is the founder of the Manchester Inspirational Voices choir that won the BBC Gospel Choir of the Year in 2016, will be sharing jazz tracks from his debut album as part of the day, which starts with a workshop at Strathmore from 10am to 3pm.

The workshop choir will then perform in a concert with CPCC, and children from Strathmore will also be performing as part of their own gospel singing workshop.

St Christopher’s School Theatre in Barrington Road, Letchworth, will then provide the evening venue for an event that promises to thrill.

Wayne, who’s lived in Manchester for nearly 20 years, is using music as part of the healing process after the horrific terror attack at an Ariana Grande concert last month.

Looking ahead to Saturday, Wayne said: “People coming together to make and enjoy music and celebrate each other is a really important part of the healing process and so I’m really looking forward to Saturday.”

If you want to be part of the day, workshop tickets are £20, with evening tickets costing £10, under 16s £5 – available from David’s Music in Letchworth or on the door.

Covenant Praise Church is a non-denominational church which specialises in community action. For more visit their website www.covenantpraisechurch.org.uk.

The community choir are always looking for new members and the group is open to anyone who enjoys singing. If you’re interested get in touch with them on Facebook www.facebook.com/CPCChoir.