A classical music society will host its very last concert and close down after 19 years.

It comes after audience numbers for Sittingbourne Music Society (SMS) performances drastically dropped since the Covid pandemic – going from an average of 93 people down to 20.

The society has been providing a wide variety of classical music concerts by professional musicians for the people of Sittingbourne for almost two decades, running four concerts a year in February, March, October and November.

SMS member Mary Allman explained how the unfortunate decision was also inevitable.

She said: "The cost of running the concerts was too expensive despite getting a couple of sponsorships. It was simply not viable to carry on.

"Last season, we decided we would have the funds to cover this season, but not enough for the following one.

"It is very sad that we have to close after 19 years, but realistically, it was bound to happen."

She added: "We used to have more than 90 people watching our concerts, and that number has drastically dropped since Covid started, with one of our latest performances only attracting 20 spectators.

"The society usually has to fork out £252 per evening to rent out the venue, and our last concert did not even cover that cost.

"Even though we are having to close, we are glad we managed to fulfil our mission to bring quality classical music to Sittingbourne at a reasonable price.

"We have also done a lot of outreach work with local schools, sending our musicians out there to play for the children and show them a bit of classical music."

Sittingbourne Music Society's final concert takes place on Friday, March 10, at 7.30pm in the Millennium Hall at Fulston Manor School, in Brenchley Road.

Tickets available on the door cost £15 with under 18s paying £1.