Swindon is often the butt of many jokes so it was a real delight to see the Swindon Rock Choir look, and more importantly sound, so comfortable alongside a West End star.

Right from the off this powerhouse choir, under the innovative and talented auspices of Kate Benson, knocked the socks off the enthusiastic, sell-out crowd at the Wyvern Theatre.

Such a varied mix of numbers flowed with real precision from this bubbly bunch of singers who were having such a party on stage - and we were all invited!

Older numbers such as Uptown Girl and Don't Leave Me This Way mingled effortlessly with today's pop gold of songs such as Shut Up And Dance. Then we had the stunning arrangement of Rag N Bone Man's Human and the sublime close harmonies of Halo and Hallelujah.

First special guest was Lawrence Jones, a terrific blues guitarist who has played with such names as Joe Bonamassa, followed by the Rock Choir Ensemble showcasing some crystal clear voices.

The concert was in aid of the Swindon charity Brighter Futures and young pianist Ella Roberts composed a really moving piece of classical music that seemed to encapsulate the ups and downs of those facing the journey towards recovery from cancer.

A walk down Motown highway brought us Aretha Franklin's A Little Respect, and there was a nod to the West Coast with Mammas and Pappas' California Dreaming, beautifully sung by a rock choir soloist. One of the stand out moments was Swindon's own rock guitarist Darren Hunt, no stranger to the horrors of losing someone dear, as his musician dad, Gerry Hunt, lost his battle to the deadly disease. Darren played and sang Prince's Purple Rain, with backing from the choir. The number ended with the whole auditorium, choir and audience, doing the festival hands-in-the-air sway along to the melody.

The star guest was Kerry Ellis, who has performed regularly in the West End, making her name in musical theatre, and she has worked alongside Queen's Brian May. Her stage presence shone like a beacon as she performed Queens' Someone To Love but her backing singers for the night - the Swindon Rock Choir - did her proud.

As the final notes fell on this feel-good evening, the singers received a well deserved standing ovation and for an encore reprised the opening number of Don't stop Me Now with special guests and audience all singing along. - Flicky Harrison