THE KVU Singers are changing direction after performing two serious and thought-provoking concerts. On Sunday June 30 the Sutton-based choir will team up with the Pendle Youth and Childrens’ Choirs to help them celebrate their 70th birthday in Skipton.

The PYCC was formed in 1949 and over the years the singers have won many competitions and have travelled widely both in the UK and internationally. Under the baton of their current music director David Wilkinson they are off to Paris in October to sing at Chartre Cathedral and the Madeleine.

A spokesman said: “David Wilkinson was bitten by the singing bug at the age of eight and over a long and varied career has sung with everyone from the Accrington Male Voice Choir to Glyndebourne and the ENO, working under such great conductors as Haitink, Rattle and Klemperer.

“David is also president of the KVU Singers. He and Frank Smith, KVU’s musical director and conductor, have been friends and colleagues for many years. With such a wide range of ages and styles this promises to be a lively and entertaining concert.”

KVU Singers began life as Keighley Vocal Union in 1906 and have continued through both world wars without a break. Most members in those days came from the many church and chapel choirs in the area. Festivals were the most important part of the choir diary and seven were entered within the first 12 months of the choir’s existence with five first prizes!

The concert with Pendle Youth and Childrens’ Choirs will be at Christ Church in Skipton on Sunday June 30 at 2.30pm. Tickets cost £5.