MONTHS of preparation culminated in an extremely successful day for Thornbury Choral Society’s Big, big Handel day.

Run in collaboration with Thornbury Orchestra, members of the public were humming along to the choral society’s rousing rendition of the Hallelujah Chorus.

The event was aimed at getting as many people involved in singing as possible. Following the society’s performance of the Hallelujah Chorus in the morning the group performed a fun-sized Messiah aimed at the younger members of the public.

Amongst the many attendees was Thornbury and Yate MP Steve Webb.

Not only was there feet-tapping fun for all but the conductor was keen to get the audience involved wherever possible.

Organisers Julia O'Connor-Beach and Lisa Kicinski said they could not be happier with the outcome.

"We are thrilled with the positive comments we've had on the feedback forms for both sessions. It was a fantastic day, full of fun and laughter, music and song...and we slid in a deal of education while we were at it!"

"The children heard everything from the Teddy Bears' Picnic on the bassoon to a choir at full volume singing the final Amen from Messiah. They loved the warm-up, blowing raspberries and singing the Grand Old Duke of York with the choir.

“We believe they went home knowing who Handel was, that the conductor uses a baton and not a baguette, that baroque music is full of dance, how the different instruments of the orchestra sound, how the sections of a choir work together, and what a fugue is."

"We are so delighted with the response. We have lots of ideas for future events - watch this space!"