THE annual visit of The Two Moors Festival to Okehampton took place at All Saints Church last week, delighting record audiences during the tenth anniversary tour.

The Friends of All Saints and the rector, the Rev Stephen Cook, said they particularly welcome hosting the event, which makes further good use of the church and encourages people in addition to the regular congregation to come and enjoy musical social gatherings.

The friends committee and helpers provided refreshments, suppers and wine to the many visitors and performers during the concert on October 4.

Contributions were also made to church funds, to improve and preserve the fabric of this historic building.

George Ware, vice-chairman of the friends, said: 'The range of musical content and style was, as always with this festival, very varied.

'We welcomed the young musicians platform winners 2010 for an afternoon performance, and although only in their late teens, the four young people demonstrated maturity and sheer musicianship to a very high standard — fantastic! '

In the evening, the audience was entertained by Paul Lewis on piano and tenor Mark Padmore (pictured), who, said Mr Ware, are without doubt two of Britain's finest musicians whose extraordinary talent and artistry have taken them across the globe.

'We were treated to one of the best-loved sonatas, the Beethoven Sonata in C Major, the Waldstein, followed by Schubert's Song Cycles, Schwanengesang.

'All the concerts shared one thing — the sheer enthusiasm and first class musicianship and professionalism of all the performers.

'The magnificent piano which played an important part in the concerts, and is especially transported to venues as required, was the familiar Bosendorfer imperial concert grand piano, valued at around £100,000!'

Mr Ware said the friends received many complimentary comments on how enjoyable people felt about coming to concerts at All Saints Church — the church was completely full with 250 people at the evening concert.

The performers appreciated the wonderful acoustics and sense of occasion created within the church, said Mr Ware.

'My sincere thanks to all the committee members, spouses and supporters for making it such a wonderfully successful day. We again succeeded in living up to our reputation for good organisation and for extending warm and excellent hospitality.

He also thanked Waitrose for the loan of wine glasses and the donation of six bottles of wine.

'We certainly look forward to next year's visit, knowing that we will have a wonderful time in good company.'