'At risk' churches turn to song

St John the Baptist in Broad Street was built as part of the city's defences

Two Bristol churches are turning to song in a bid to encourage more people through their doors.

St John the Baptist and St Thomas the Martyr are two churches taking part in October's Birthday Song.

The public singing event, which is taking place across the country, will see 40 choirs performing in 40 'at risk' churches.

The historic buildings are all seen as 'nationally significant' by the Churches Conservation Trust charity.

Birthday Song will celebrate the Churches Conservation Trust's 40th birthday - the national charity protects England's most significant historic churches which are no longer needed for regular worship.

Churches such as St John and St Thomas are a vital part of our country's heritage... Peter Lankester

Birthday Song aims to enable people to rediscover these ancient churches and find out how they can be saved for future generations through contemporary community use.

Most events during Birthday Song are free and, leading up to the weekend, visitors can vote for which song they want to sing.

Peter Lankester, from the Churches Conservation Trust, said: "Churches such as St John and St Thomas are a vital part of our country's heritage and a focal point for communities and keepers of our local and national history, but they are at risk.

"The Trust believes these magnificent buildings must be conserved for present and future generations by putting them back at the heart of contemporary community life, and opened up for the enjoyment of everyone."

To find out more about Birthday Song, including booking information, check out the Churches Conservation Trust's website.