The Warwickshire church where Lord Of The Rings author JRR Tolkien was married is to celebrate its 150th birthday with a homecoming for current and former churchgoers.
St Mary Immaculate Catholic church, in Warwick, has invited old and new parishioners, plus former pupils of St Mary Immaculate School, to the event at West Street in the town.
Built in 1860, the St Mary Immaculate was designed by Edward Welby Pugin, son of Augustus Welby Pugin, the co-architect of the House of Commons, and when it was the only Catholic church in Warwick for many years.
It is also notable for holding the marriage of JRR Tolkien and Edith Bratt in 1916.
The Homecoming event, on Sunday, May 30, will feature food, drink, live entertainment and activities for children.
Parishioner Claire Harris said: "The title 'Homecoming' has been chosen to show that present parishioners offer a very warm welcome to all the many people who've had any connection with the church or the school here, and to emphasise the important place St Mary Immaculate church has in our hearts.
"The party will have something for everyone - there will be a pig roast and strawberries and cream, a special brew of celebration beer, a pipe band, quizzes, games for children, and many other activities.
"And best of all, it will be a wonderful chance to meet friends old and new."
Tickets for the Homecoming event are free and are available from Claire Harris on 01926 492586 or claire.harris@lineone.net, or from the Parish Priest, Canon Edward Stewart, at St Mary's Presbytery, West Street, Warwick, CV34 6AB.
Parking for the event will be free at the nearby car park at Warwick Racecourse. For more information visit the church's website at stmary-immaculate.org.uk
