A SPECIAL concert is taking place in Malmesbury Abbey next month.

Malmesbury arts development organisation Caerbladon has organised a concert in tribute of John Betjeman’s Banana Blush to celebrate the musician's links with the town.

The concert is due to take place at Malmesbury Abbey on Saturday, November 18 at 7pm.

In 1974 John Betjeman, then Poet Laureate, became an unlikely pop star, recording his verse to music by Jim Parker for the album Banana Blush.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Sir John Betjeman Sir John Betjeman (Image: Caerbladon)

It quickly became a cult classic, regularly played on radio by John Peel, and is treasured by many musicians such as Jarvis Cocker from Pulp and Suggs from Madness.
 
Betjeman was the first president of Malmesbury Civic Trust which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.

In this rare live performance of Banana Blush in the picturesque setting of Malmesbury Abbey, Zeb Soanes from Classic FM will perform Betjeman’s much loved verse, accompanied by the Chris Warner Ensemble, transporting the audience to a 1920s cocktail party.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Zeb SoanesZeb Soanes (Image: Classic FM)

Tickets are available from Caerbladon’s gallery and shop in Market Cross, Malmesbury or online from www.caerbladon.co.uk 

There is also a special discount for bookings of four.