Clitheroe Pop Choir hits the high notes for local hospice Derian House

The choir, now boasting more than 100 members, has enjoyed a fantastic few weeks of singing and fundraising, entertaining a packed audience at St Paul’s Church in Clitheroe with an energetic evening of hits spanning the decades.

A sell-out concert, a standing ovation and a birthday celebration have helped Clitheroe Pop Choir raised over £1200 for local children’s hospice Derian House.

The choir has raised over £1200 for the hospice, with more than 100 members helping to make the event such a success. | Supplied

placeholder image — The choir has raised over £1200 for the hospice, with more than 100 members helping to make the event such a success. | Supplied

Now boasting more than 100 members, the choir has enjoyed a fantastic few weeks of singing and fundraising, entertaining a packed audience at St Paul’s Church in Clitheroe with an energetic evening of hits spanning the decades.

The crowd enjoyed favourites from Erasure, Billy Ocean and Michael Jackson, alongside newer additions to the choir’s repertoire, including Pharrell Williams’ Happy and Lady Gaga’s Always Remember Us This Way.

Adding a touch of musical glamour, the choir invited local string quartet What the Pluck to join them on stage. The quartet performed modern classics from Coldplay and Taylor Swift, given a distinctive Bridgerton-inspired twist. The spectacular finale was a dramatic version of the Game of Thrones theme, featuring the choir alongside What the Pluck. The performance brought the audience to its feet for a standing ovation, rounding off a memorable evening.

The concert raised £1051 for Derian House, which provides specialist care and support for children and young people with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, as well as their families.

The fundraising continued more recently when choir members came together to celebrate the 80th birthday of one of their much-loved members, Von. The Alto section rose to the occasion, baking an incredible selection of cakes for everyone to enjoy. Members made generous donations in exchange for tea, coffee and cake, raising a further £164.36 for Derian House.

Choir leader Gaynor Sutcliffe said: “We’re incredibly proud to support Derian House and the amazing work they do for children and families across our region. The care, compassion and support they provide is truly life-changing, and it’s a charity that means so much to our local community. We’re delighted that through our love of singing and a little bit of cake.

“We've been able to raise money to help them continue their wonderful work. I’m also incredibly proud of our choir. To have more than 100 people coming together, sharing their love of music and having so much fun along the way is something really special. The support from our audiences, our members and local musicians like What the Pluck makes it all possible.”

Clitheroe Pop Choir meets every Thursday evening at the United Reformed Church, Clitheroe. New members are always welcome, regardless of singing experience, and can come for a free taster session. There are no auditions, just a love of music and a willingness to have fun!

The choir will be bringing plenty of festive cheer to Clitheroe this December, with performances at: