WREN Music will present renowned American folksinger Peggy Seeger live in concert this weekend to raise money for the charity.

Seeger will perform at Exeter's Northcott Theatre on Sunday May 27. Proceeds from the event will benefit the work of Wren Music, of which she is an honorary patron. The funds will help the charity to continue to deliver its programme of folk choirs, orchestras and music education projects with people of all ages in schools and communities across Devon.

Seeger has a long association with the charity. She and her late partner, Ewan MacColl, have given help and encouragement to many folk artistes, including a young Paul Wilson, now Wren Music's director.

Between 1968 and 1985 she chose, edited and notated songs in the 'New City Songster' publication and included some of Paul's work.

When Paul and co-founder Marilyn Tucker were working together in the early days of Wren Music, they regarded Peggy and Ewan as providing inspiration for the work they were doing, not just as singers and songwriters, but as representing traditional music as part of the people's culture and of the arts.

Paul and Marilyn were invited to sing at Ewan's 70th birthday celebrations at the Royal Festival Hall, appearing on stage just before Ewan and Peggy.

Peggy has visited Okehampton on a number of occasions, and as Wren Music became established she agreed to become its first patron, having already offered much support and help in the past.

Seeger was a leading figure in the revival of interest in folk song, championing the music with her Ewan MacColl. They gave concerts, conducted workshops and toured in Britain and abroad as singers of traditional and contemporary songs from 1957 until his death in 1989.

The concert will also feature Devon's youth vocal ensemble Roots A Capella. Under the direction of Paul Wilson and Sarah Owen, Roots A Capella sings songs from all over the world, as well as songs from Devon and the South West.

Over recent years, they have become renowned for their powerful melodies and strong vocal harmonies.

The concert starts at 7.30pm and all seats are £14. Tickets are available from the theatre box office, tel 01392 493493 or from http://www.exeternorthcott.co.uk">www.exeternorthcott.co.uk