THE Duchy resounded with song and comradeship for a prestigious male choral festival, which is recognised as one of the largest events of its kind in the world.

More than 40 choirs from the UK took part in the 12th biennial Cornwall International Male Choral Festival held at various venues across the county.

The Czech Children’s Choir made the longest journey.

Twenty-six Cornish choirs participated, hosting concerts in churches, Truro Cathedral, well-known Cornish locations as well as leading the now infamous post-concert afterglows.

Among one of the performances saw Newquay Male Voice Choir welcome Minehead Male Voice Choir, Weybridge Male Voice Choir and Cirencester Male Voice Choir to St Michael’s Church on Friday evening.

The packed audience were treated to a menu of songs that entirely spanned the male voice choir catalogue.

Minehead set the tone with a selection of six pieces, including ‘Siyahamba’, a traditional South African song, ‘Stars’, the standout piece sung by Javert in Les Miserables, and ‘Fix You’ by Cold Play.

Newquay took to the stage singing a revised programme that included favourites Anthem from Chess, What a Wonderful World and Cornwall My Home.

Weybridge then set the stage alight with their expertly choreographed performance of pieces such as In the Mood, Modimo and Mr Blue Sky.

Cirencester then brought the evening to a close with some panache with pieces such as There is Nothin, Like a Dame and ‘When the Saints Go Marching In.

Oll an Gwella hosted the Seer Green Singers, Weybridge MVC, Minehead MVC and the Sussex Gruffs MVC at Healey’s Cyder Farm on Saturday afternoon.

Jim Christophers from Newquay Male Voice Choir said: “The festival once again brought old friends and new friends together in a celebration of all that is so distinctive and joyous about male choral singing.”