On Saturday 17 September 2011 choirs from throughout Northern Ireland met in St Anne's Cathedral for a festival of Hymn singing.
The event was organised by the Hymn Society of Great Britain and Ireland for its 75th Anniversary by its Executive President Bishop Edward Darling. The organist was Dr Donald Davison and a number of members of St John's choir took part
A HS75 orchestra was assembled specially for the occasion by Julie Bell who also orchestrated the hymns.
Choirs were conducted by John Barnard and Christopher Idle introduced each of the hymns.
John Barnard conducting with the HS75 orchestra
Chris Idle introducing the hymns
John Crothers (Chairman RSCM France), Christopher Idle (Hymn writer & commentator), Bishop Edward Darling (Exec President HS GB & NI), Julie Bell (Leader of HS75 orchestra), Dr Donald Davison (Organist) and John Barnard (Conductor)