CLASSICAL music enthusiasts are set for a treat when Stourbridge based Gig Caritas finally return to their spiritual home at the former St Johns Church.

The group have been nomadic since the church closed its doors more than three years ago but now the building has been brought back to life after being purchased and refurbished by the Side by Side organisation.

To mark the occasion, Gig Caritas will be pulling out all the stops with a performance of Verdi's Requiem on Saturday, March 21, commencing at 7.30pm.

Stourbridge Chamber Orchestra will join forces with the Gig Caritas Chorus together with a number of guest soloists which includes soprano Louise Maguire, mezzo soprano Rachel Colley, tenor Edward Harrison and baritone Jack Brookes, all under the baton of their conductor and musical director Keith Horsfall.

Funds raised from the event will be donated to Side by Side's Theatre Company which operates for people with learning disabilities.

Side by Side have raised over £70,000 in charitable donations to help with the renovation work at St Johns which they purchased back in 2018 and only last month, the theatre group were able to move in and start rehearsing.

The venue will now be known as The SideSpace at St Johns.

Gig Caritas first started performing at St Johns back in 2013 and their much awaited return has prompted musicians to travel from across the country and even further afield to appear at this special charity concert, all free of charge.

Tickets for this special occasion, which are limited, cost £12 each and can be obtained by either going to www.gigcaritaqs.org.uk/box-office or in person at Harris and Son Butchers in Wollaston.

An official opening of The SideSpace at St John's is planned for May.