Musselburgh-based Clark’s Concert Party is looking forward to staging its first show since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Rehearsals start next Monday (August 22) for Through The Decades, as the group prepares to celebrate more than 60 years of entertaining local audiences in spring next year, following a gap of three-and-a-half years.

The St Ninian’s Junior Concert Party was renamed Clark’s Concert Party in 2010 in tribute to founder Robert Clark, who died the year before.

He started the concert party in November 1959.

Spokesperson Irene Grant said that the group’s 60th birthday celebrations in 2020 were put on hold due to Covid-19 and it had not been able to put on a show since the last one in autumn 2019.

She said: “We are now ready to come back together and do what our children do best – entertain family and friends.

“Our show is going to be Through The Decades, with well-loved songs and dances from the six decades we have been performing.”

Open to young people aged eight to 18 who are interested in singing, dancing or acting, rehearsals take place on Monday evenings from 6pm to 9pm in MECA Learning Centre, Haddington Road. Membership is free.

A tuck shop is provided, the profits of which go to charity Mary’s Meals, and also cover the costs of outings for concert party members, fees, theatre hire, costumes and scenery.

Mrs Grant said: “We have not earned anything for over three years now and we would like to offer sincere thanks to all who have donated and kept us afloat in this time.

“Particular thanks to Debbie McVean, who donated in her dad’s name, Billy Gunn, when he passed away.

“Also thanks to the Arnold Clark Community Fund and the Tesco token scheme, as well as two anonymous donors.

“Their help and support is greatly appreciated.”

For more information, contact the concert party’s Facebook page or email irenegrant53@yahoo.co.uk

For further information contact the concert party's Facebook page or email irenegrant53@yahoo.co.uk