A COVID-imposed ban on public singing lasting almost 18 months is about to end for the Millicent Choral Society.

The 15 current members will take to the stage of the Millicent Uniting Church Hall at 2pm on April 11 to present a Christian choral music festival.

The society has not been seen in public since December 2019.

Choral society musical director Mike Bleby said the upcoming concert was inspired by the annual “Prom Praise” concerts in the Royal Albert Hall in London, England.

Mr Bleby said the singers were keen to get back into what they enjoyed doing.

“This concert is a celebration of contemporary and traditional Christian music with some audience participation,” Mr Bleby said.

“It was originally planned for May 2020 but was cancelled due to the pandemic.

“It will be the first public performance by the group since a concert of Christmas music in December 2019.

“The society went into recess from March 2020 resuming singing in October. During that time members joined together for some 15 zoom video conference sessions to continue singing enjoying music and the company.

“Numbers are down to 15 singers this year, but we are always on the lookout for new arrivals in the district who might like to join in.

“We are exploring the possibility of a joint concert with the Mount Gambier Concert Band later this year.”

Among the traditional hymns will be Old Hundredth, Jerusalem and Glory in the highest to the tune of Land of Hope and Glory.