The uplifting music of Haydn will fill a Bridgnorth church this year as a tribute to the man responsible for organising the town’s world-famous festival celebrating the composer.

A memorial concert has been organised in honour of John Reid to celebrate the contribution he made to playing and promoting live performances of classical music.

The concert, which will be held in St Leonard’s Church on July 24, at 7.30pm, will feature the English Haydn Orchestra playing on instruments of the period and conducted by Anthony Halstead.

Mr Reid died at his home in Newport last month, aged 63, following a six-month battle with cancer.

The festival, which Mr Reid founded in 1993, has consistently featured a line-up of top international performers.

Festival spokesman Mike Proudman, said: “John was responsible for creating and organising the festival which has been held annually in Bridgnorth since 1993.

“His great determination and vision has enhanced the festival with the consequence of it being recognised as world class and attracting many internationally acclaimed soloists.

“John had already prepared plans for next year’s festival, celebrating the bi-centenary of the death of Haydn on May 31, 1809.

“The festival will also have a remembrance concert for John on May 30, 2009.”