A PACKED-out audience listened to an ‘eclectic and wonderful mix’ of performers at Whitchurch Parish Hall earlier this month.

Andover Museum Loftsingers held its 21st birthday concert alongside Whitchurch Folk Club on October 13, opening the evening with songs under the direction of Paul Sartin.

The folk club celebrated its first anniversary at the event.

Other acts entertaining the crowds were Sheepstealers with its saxophone quartet and double bass, KleArWay, a group of three friends unaccompanied, Keltyke telling a story, festival-style band Mad Magdalen and folk duo Belshazzar’s Feast.

Committee chair Fiona Stamp said: “The evening was filled with an eclectic and wonderful mix of musicians and singers, which delighted and thrilled the packed hall.”

“Following a very lively interval, Mad Magdalen stormed the stage. After a foot-stomping beginning, they broke our hearts with a sad ballad, showing masterful skill on bazouki and other instruments.

“The Loftsingers brought the evening to a close with a couple of songs. Their rendition of Unst Boat Song has a subtlety and finesse rarely heard in any choir. To finish, this very community-minded choir sang an arrangement of Love is All Around, which of course was originally sung by Reg Presley and the Troggs, thus maintaining the local connection.

“Whitchurch Folk Club reached their own first anniversary with this performance, and has a stellar line-up of concerts for the forthcoming year.”