Every year for decades The salvation Army has held a big music festival at this time of year. For many years this was held at the Royal Albert Hall and called either The Bandmasters' (or Songster Leaders') Councils Festival.

The concert was then followed by a series of three more devotional/instructional meetings held the next day at a different venue - making this a very special annual weekend for hundreds of Army music leaders but also bandsmen and songsters from the entire Territory - as Corps Bands and Songster Brigades were often invited to be 'solo' guest bands/choirs for the evening alongside The International Staff band and Songsters.

There was usually also a 'visiting' band from elsewhere in the world plus vocal and instrumental soloists of the highest calibre.

Around 2000 these festivals became known as 'Gospel Arts' festivals as the SA tried to incorporate more modern ensembles and groups. Dance, drama and even rock groups were added to the evening and the popularity of the events continued.

The event was moved to the more centrally located city of Birmingham a few years ago and the event changed name again to 'Symphony Sounds'

Sadly, due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the event for 202 had to be cancelled. So "Fortress Radio" (a 24 hours a day Salvation Army music internet radio station) and "Going to the Army!" combined to create a very special 'Virtual' Festival to replace the cancelled event.

Listeners to the radio station and podcast have requested favourites or pieces that had a special significance to them - and over 350 people voted in online polls to choose the items you will hear here.

Long time Staff Bandsman Stuart Hall interviewed BM Stephen Cobb (ISB), SL Dorothy Nancekievill (ISS), Richard Carroll (long time stage manager/crew for the events) and euphonium maestro Derick Kane (ISB) and their memories and music choices also feature in the evening.

It was broadcast at 8pm on 30th May, 2020 - approximately the same time that the original event would have taken place, had it not had to be postponed.

A digital programme was available for download to enhance the experience of 'being there'and an estimated 6000 listeners 'tuned in' on the night to share the programme.

Here it is hoped to reach an even wider audience.

BUT - we want you to be far more than entertained - it is the makers' fervent prayer that the listeners be blessed, challenged to deepen their Christian experience and inspired to go out and share that experience with everyone they meet.

This world needs Jesus - share Him with everyone you meet! Amen