Commonwealth Carnival of Music Today

2 July 2012, 12:55 | Updated: 4 July 2012, 10:12

Though the main celebrations for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee took place a month ago, the occasion of Her Majesty's 60 years on the throne will be hailed by a very special concert today.

The Commonwealth Carnival of Music, described as a spectacle "…of music and dance with a Commonwealth theme", will take place at the Westminster Hall inside the Houses of Parliament.

The event is the result of a collaboration between diverse groups of volunteers, performers and sponsors and is being staged in association with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (UK Branch) and Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

Combining the spirit of the Llangollen International Music Eisteddfod with the Commonwealth Connecting Cultures theme for 2012, choirs and dancers representing all corners of the Commonwealth will perform in front of a 1200 strong audience made up of aspiring young performers, unsung heroes and representatives of various community and charity groups from all over the United Kingdom and beyond.

Hosted by Baroness Floella Benjamin, Huw Edwards and Michael Sani, performers will include the Sunshine Coast Oriana of Australia, the Heritage Dancers of India, the Commonwealth Youth Orchestra and the Parliament Choir, the London Welsh Male Voice Choir and Laura Wright (pictured).

Details of the event can be found at http://www.commonwealthcarnivalofmusic.com