St James’ Church in Warter spent years deserted and unused, but will be packed to the rafters this month when it plays host to a recital as part of the Beverley and East Riding Early Music Festival.

Celebrated soprano Emma Kirkby will perform with lutenist Jakob Lindberg in an intimate candle-lit setting inside the church on Sunday, 25 May.

Interest has exceeded all expectations with every one of the £20 tickets being snapped up weeks before the event.

Festival secretary GIll Baldwin heaped praise on the venue.

She said: “We used it last year and thought it would be a good idea to use it again because it is such a superb venue.

“The acoustics are good and it’s just ideal for this type of concert. The concert has been sold out for a few weeks but we’re still getting inquiries about it now.”

The church was abandoned in 1989 and fell into disrepair, leading to calls for the 19th-century building to be bulldozed.

However, thanks to a determined group of local people, who formed the Yorkshire Wolds Buildings Preservation Trust, it was eventually saved two years ago.

With the support of the East Riding Branch of the CPRE, the Campaign to Protect Rural England, grants from LEADER+ and the Heritage Lottery Fund, they were able to preserve the 19th-century church fabric and its arts and crafts monuments and stained glass windows.

The roof was renewed, the spire made safe and new lighting, kitchens and toilets installed.

Chairman of the trustees Dr David Neave, who has been involved in the project since the outset, said: “It is very gratifying that so many people visit, use and appreciate this very special building”.

Meanwhile, the music festival will be hosting shows at other venues in the area, including a Celtic performance at St Edith’s Church in Bishop Wilton at 1pm on 25 May.