Musicians from across the world had the chance to show off their talents at the 50th St Albans International Organ Festival.

A total of 20 competitors travelled from France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan and South Korea for the event on July 10.

The mayor of St Albans Annie Brewster hosted a civic reception for all the visitors.

She said: "The International Organ Festival is an extremely important event in our City’s calendar and I am delighted that we are celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

"The festival is going from strength to strength, attracting leading musicians and performers from around the world.

"I am thrilled to have this opportunity to welcome the festival’s competitors, organisers, hosts and supporters.

"I am very pleased that the performances can be enjoyed in different venues around the city, in the Cathedral, a restaurant and local churches.

"I encourage everyone to make the most of this wonderful opportunity to enjoy world-class music in our city."

The Countess of Verulam and Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire were also guests on the day.

Festival director David Titterington said: "We are very grateful to the mayor for making the festival so welcome to the city.

"The St Albans International Organ Festival was founded by Peter Hurford 50 years ago in 1963.

"Since then, we have worked to promote the organ as both a solo instrument and an instrument capable of performing in different musical contexts.

"This year is the centenary of Benjamin Britten’s birth and one of the festival’s highlights is the performance of his epic War Requiem in St Albans Cathedral.

"As the Mayor so kindly says, we believe that the festival is one of the jewels in St Albans’ crown."