BURY Hospice is preparing to stage the borough's biggest musical festival.

As part of the international "Festival of Voices: Voices for Hospices 2003", the hospice in Dumers Lane, Radcliffe, has organised a week-long programme of music.

Meryvn Reeves, hospice fund-raising manager, said: "Bury Hospice has taken part in this event for a number of years now. But this year, instead of putting on just one event, we have decided to make it a really big event. It will be the biggest musical festival held in the borough." Voices for Hospice has been held every other year for the past 12 years.

Mr Reeves said: "The festival, as well as raising money for Bury Hospice, will help raise awareness of the work it does."

The festival starts on Saturday when a musical chain will be created across the world at precisely 7.30pm. The borough will form a link with a Sing with the World concert at Bury Parish Church, featuring Bury Choral Society and St Gabriel's RC High School choir. Tickets for the event are £5 for adults and £2 for children.