Hexham Abbey is having an open day this week to try and encourage 7–18-year-olds to join the choir.

Director of Music, Michael Haynes is hoping that anyone who comes will see that the choir breaks the typical stereotypes.

He said: "We want to encourage everyone to come along and prove that joining the choir is not strange or religious, it is for everyone. It is a place to learn but also a place to travel, make friends and have fun. It is for normal, everyday boys and girls."

Mr Haynes has been the director of the Hexham Abbey for 20 years and was able to keep the choir going even trough lockdowns and restrictions.

He said: "We were able to hold practise sessions during lockdown via Zoom but acoustically, it did not work, and we could not sing together. We were able to practise in person but 2m to 3m apart. We are hoping now that it can return back to normal, so the open day will, hopefully, help us gain new members."

The 58-year-old believes members can see future benefits by joining the choir.

He said: "There are a lot of benefits to joining the choir. In the past, in which we hope to do again, we have travelled to Spain, Germany and other European countries. It is also an amazing thing to put on job or university applications."

Hexham Abbey open days are Wednesday 8 and Thursday 9 at 4:45 to 7pm. It will include a tour of the Abbey, refreshments, and plenty of singing.