A UNIQUE event that has brought tears to the eyes of those in attendance returns to Malmesbury Abbey this week.

After the huge success of previous events, the team at the 12th century abbey is once again working with the charity Music for Autism to bring classical music of the highest professional quality to local young people with autism.

The day of concerts on Wednesday (22) will also include a free afternoon concert at 2pm for people over 70 in the community and dementia sufferers with their carers.

Revd Neill Archer, vicar at Malmesbury Abbey, said: “It’s hard to describe previous events which were truly remarkable.

“I don’t normally see people cry in church, the preaching isn’t generally that bad, but last summer I saw people crying for joy when we worked with Music for Autism.

“Children and young people on the autistic spectrum, from schools right across Wiltshire, arrived anxiously with their enablers as professional musicians prepared at the front of the abbey.

“As the music started everyone relaxed a bit and then John Lubbock, from Music for Autism, started to gently encourage young people to participate in making music, either by conducting an orchestra or taking to the microphone to lead singing.”

Conductor of concert John Lubbock said: “These performances really matter because families often say that our concerts fill a major psychosocial void, allowing them to enjoy together enriching activities that are inclusive of children with autism.

“The gala concert at 7.30pm on Wednesday (22) is absolutely crucial to funding our day’s work with young people and the elderly.

“So can I encourage everybody in north Wiltshire to get down to the abbey, buy a ticket for £10 and enjoy an evening of very special music-making.”

Alice Langtree, a member of the British Council Disability Advisory Panel and former deputy head of Burton Hill school, added: “In over 20 years of working alongside such young people at different events I have never before witnessed something that benefitted each individual child no matter how locked into their own worlds.”