NANTWICH Choral Society is marking the 60th anniversary of special twinning links between Crewe and Nantwich and Macon, in France.

Choir members have travelled to Macon to perform a concert with their French counterparts as part of an exchange commemorating their lasting friendship and love of music.

The Nantwich group has held weeks of rehearsals, and on Saturday, May 27, joined L’Ensemble Arpege de Macon to perform John Rutter’s ‘Magnificat’ in front an audience.

Following the trip to Macon, famous for its Chardonnay wines, the society will welcome the French singers back to Nantwich in July.

Outings to places of interest are planned and the society, in partnership with Crewe and Nantwich Twinning Association, will put on a joint concert on home soil.

Elizabeth Lea of the Nantwich society said: “The notion of twinning, known elsewhere as sister cities or friendship towns, is a tradition stretching back almost a century in the UK.

“The practice took off in earnest after World War II, with community leaders keen to heal the divisions of conflict and seek support in rebuilding a post war spirit of reconciliation.

“There are almost 2,000 formal twinning arrangements in the UK, and 50 per cent are with France.

“This very special twinning between Crewe and Nantwich and Macon has promoted friendship and mutual understanding since 1957.

“It remains untarnished by politics of the day and our two choirs have a strong bond cemented by our love of culture, music and art.

“We are excited to be going to Macon again and to welcome the choir here to Nantwich in July.”

A Nantwich Civic Hall reception is scheduled for Friday, July 14 to welcome the Maconnais guests.

Tickets for another joint concert – at St Mary’s Church in Nantwich on Saturday, July 15 – as well as more information about the society are available at nantwichchoral.org.uk.