The London Docklands Singers are dediccating their annual concert to the Queen's Diamond Jubilee

A choir is marking the Royal family’s connections with the East End with a concert celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee inside a Second World War air raid shelter.

The London Docklands Singers will be marking the Queen’s 60 year reign with a series of classical performances inside All Saints church, which served as focal point for the community in Poplar during the Blitz with its air raid shelter in the crypt.

Next Saturday’s (July 7) concert will feature classics pieces such as Handel’s Zadok the Priest and Parry’s I Was Glad, both performed at the Queen’s coronation in 1953.

The event will also include pieces from other composers whose work was performed at the coronation, such as Howells, with the choir singing his Te Deum and Jubilate, along with other works by Handel and proms classics like Jerusalem.

A spokeswoman for the choir said: “The Royal family has an important connection with the East End, walking out to view the devastation wrought by the Second World bombing in order to connect with their subjects and provide a reassuring presence at a time of national trial.

“We hope The East End can return the favour.

“It is also an opportunity to see inside one of the East End’s most beautiful churches. Built between 1821 and 1823, All Saints has seen Poplar change from a village to a wealthy home for the merchant shipping class to a parish with increasing social problems after the collapse of many city firms in 1866.”

Chorister and choir manager, Amelie Handke, said: “It’s a great opportunity to keep the spirit of the Jubilee going – flag waving is strongly encouraged! – and we hope to have lots of local groups and residents joining us.”

Tickets for the concert, starting at 7:30pm, are £8 or £5 for concessions.

For tickets contact ldsingers@gmail.com or 020 7538 3176.