Europe’s loss will be the island’s gain next month, when a large choir from the southeast of England perform a joint concert with a local Manx choir.

Uncertainties over travel in Europe after Brexit forced the St Edmundsbury Male Voice Choir, who are based at Bury St Edmunds, to alter their plans for their annual spring tour and, instead of journeying across the channel, the 40-strong choir have chosen to travel over to the Isle of Man.

The choir will team up with the local Lon Dhoo Male Voice choir for a concert at St George’s Church, Douglas,on Saturday, April 6 from 7.30pm.

Gary Corkill, the secretary of the Lon Dhoo choir, said that he hopes the choir will enjoy their trip to the island.

’In the light of the uncertainties surrounding Brexit the choir were advised to stay in the UK for their annual continental choir tour and are spending a few days in Liverpool before spending a long weekend in the Isle of Man,’ said Gary.

’The St Edmundsbury Male Voice Choir will be bringing approximately half of their 80 strong choir to visit the island along with many of their supporters.

’They will sure be enchanted by the charms of our beautiful island during their four day stay and, besides providing a welcome early season boost for our tourism industry, will be delighting local audiences with a joint concert with the Lon Dhoo Male Voice Choir on the Saturday evening.’

The St Edmundsbury choir formed in 1986 and their continental tours have taken them to Germany, Belgium, France, Denmark, Holland and Ireland.

They have also performed alongside the pop group Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark to more than 7,000 people.

’St Edmundsbury have promised to include many traditional Male Voice Choir pieces in their concerts which we are sure will wow the local audience,’ said Gary.

’Both choirs will join forces to form a combined choir of 60 voices resulting in the evening providing a feast of Male Voice singing.’

Tickets are £6, available on the door.