THE 50th season of Hawkshead Music for a Summer Evening continues on Saturday (July 8) when acclaimed mixed voice choir Manchester Chorale brings its wide ranging repertoire to the parish church.

For half a century music lovers have flocked to the picturesque parish to enjoy an annual series which has become one of the most popular on the region's cultural calendar.

It all began in 1967, when a selection of recitals was organised to give local people and holidaymakers a chance to hear the newly installed Rushworth and Dreaper organ.

According to Jim Noble, then music editor of The Westmorland Gazette, it was the first time the title 'music for a summer evening' was first coined in this part of the country.

At first they were all organ recitals, but very soon choirs, solo singers, pianists and other instrumentalists appeared on the programme.

There has never been an admission charge; initially there was a retiring collection just for Christian Aid. Gradually this was extended to include a wide range of charities, local and national.

And due to the generosity of the artistes, who perform for expenses only and the response of audiences, who give to the collections, the series has raised more than £90,000 during its first 50 years.

Mabel Howarth was Music for a Summer Evening's first concert manager, followed in 1994 by Judith Marshall and in 2011 by Mhari Elkington-Crabtree - all well supported by a small committee of dedicated volunteers.

Besides inviting well-established artistes to perform, Hawkshead Music for a Summer Evening has always encouraged young musicians, many going on to carve out successful careers in the music world.

One such rising star was Jennifer Pike, who first played at Hawkshead Parish Church when she was 11 years old and since has ascended great heights to become one of the UK's finest virtuoso violinists.

Following on from Manchester Chorale in the 2017 programme will be pianist John Longley on Tuesday, July 11; celebrated women's choir The Ghyll Singers perform on July 18; piano and cello combine on July 25 with Kathleen Uren and Stephen Threlfall and community band, the Lakeland Fiddlers play their part on August 1.

Lake District Summer Music stages a showcase of young musical talent as part of the LDSM festival on August 8; gifted cellist Daniel Robert Crompton performs on August 15; Lakes Gospel Choir take their uplifting tunes to Hawkshead on August 22 and the popular and accomplished trio of La Serenata - pianist, Charles Edmondson, mezzo-soprano, Wendy Sharrock, and flautist, David Edmonds - brings the 50th birthday season's music making to a splendid conclusion on August 29.

Performances start at 8pm.