A lunchtime concert and a display of wedding dresses through the ages are just two of the highlights of this year’s open day at St Mary’s Church, Maldon.

The event, which runs from 10am to 4pm on Saturday September 17, seeks to welcome residents, visitors and those attending the annual regatta to see the varied life of this busy church.

Wedding dresses will include one dating back just over 80 years to those worn by the modern bride will be a feature of the day as will the concert given by St Mary’s acclaimed choir which will begin at 12.30pm.

There will also be a chance to ring the tower bells, have a go at hand bell ringing, join in children’s activities, attempt to make a flower arrangement and to “build” a church with pennies.

Displays will include those of the Children’s Society, the Mothers’ Union, the meditation group and Mission to Seafarers. There will also stalls selling cakes, books, dvds and cds, candles and wood carvings from the Holy Land.

A raffle will be held and there will be a separate children’s prize.

Refreshments will be served all day.