A CELEBRATION evening of music and song is hosted by The Salvation Army in the Bolton Citadel on St George's Road, Bolton, on Saturday.

The concert, which starts 7.30pm, will feature the Hepworth Band, and the Bolton Citadel Songsters -- the adult choir of the Salvation Army Church, whose leader is David Waller.

Kevin Bolton, former teacher at Fred Longworth High School, is the driving force behind the event.

He first visited the Citadel two years ago when he was with the New England Quintet. He was so impressed with the quality of sound and singing which met him that he promised to return, and even set about writing a piece for the event.

Cantata is the end result. It is set around words by Major Melvyn Knott of the Salvation Army, based on Psalm 89. Kevin will be sharing the conducting with Mark Bentham, musical director of the Hepworth Band, on the night.

Kevin was principal cornet with the Fairey Engineering Band for seven years, progressing to conductor. He later became conductor of the world famous Black Dyke Mills Band.

A graduate and fellow of Trinity College of Music, he lectures abroad and at universities across the country. He is presently co-owner of a music publishing company.

The Hepworth Band comes from Hepworth, near Holmfirth, and has featured in Last of the Summer Wine.

Tickets, £3 and £2 concessions, are from Malcolm Wilson on 521090, or on the door.