Frequently, the choir of the local church took part in the programme.
Twenty-five choirs from around the country will take part in the competition today.
The choir takes its name from the ancient kingdom of Wessex.
The choirs from three cathedrals take part in many of the concerts.
There will be a brief practice on Friday, just before the choir takes the stage in front of an expected crowd of 70,000 people.
Total 71 choirs with 1700 singers took part of the event.
Founded in 1990, the choir takes its name from the river that flows through the centre of the city.
At the end of each year, the choir takes a tour either internationally or stateside.
This spring, the choir is taking a $400 field trip to Virginia.
A few days later, in a celebration across the road at the university, the college's choir took part.