IT SOUNDS like a recipe for a perfect summer evening out.

A picnic in the company of one of the best groups of singers around and no need to worry about the weather.

And just as a bonus, as you enjoy yourself, you will be helping to raise money for Kirkwood Hospice.

An Indoor Picnic With The Mastersingers has been organised by the hospice’s Burton and Sunflower Support Group. It is on June 13 and the venue, North Light Gallery at Armitage Bridge, will ensure that whatever the weather, picnickers will have a sunny evening.

Take along your own picnic hamper and enjoy your perfect supper in the company of a musical ensemble which offers a unique blend of voices accompanied by piano, bass and drum.

The concert has been planned as a game of not two halves – but three! First on the menu will be people’s starters with their main courses and desserts being eaten between liberal helpings of music from The Mastersingers.

The singers are much in demand for concert work and for appearances on radio. They’ve featured regularly on Desmond Carrington’s BBC Radio 2 programme All Time Greats and on radio broadcasts with David Jacobs.

The ensemble has sung on Brian Kay’s Sunday morning show on Radio 3 as well as on Tommie Pearson’s weekday morning programme.

They have recorded five CDs. The last was, Here To Stay and they are already halfway through a sixth.

As for the Mastersingers’ line-up, look no further than the names of Alan Simmons, Jim Morgan and Sue Christie, all well-known in local musical circles, to appreciate the quality of the group.

Arrangements by both Alan and Jim will feature in the concert which will range, musically speaking, from songs by Cole Porter, Gershwin and Irving Berlin to Don’t Stop Me Now and Bohemian Rhapsody by pop giants, Queen.

If all of that sounds like your sort of menu then contact Mrs Betty Webb on 01484 424374 or Jenny Lockwood on 01484 666827. Tickets are £10 including tea and coffee.