Local Vocals smash their fundraising target at Bridgewater Hall
Members of a community choir are celebrating raising over £23,000 for North West Cancer Research after their recent shows at Bridgewater Hall in Manchester.
Local Vocals, which now has over forty choirs in the North of England, was founded by LIPA graduate Laura Bennett-Gornall and has over one thousand members who meet weekly and perform locally to support their aim of doing good for others through the joy of singing. Since forming in 2021, Local Vocals has raised over £80,000 to charities across the North and are now aiming to get this to a six figure sum by the end of this year.
Alistair Richards, CEO of North West Cancer Research said that what Local Vocals has created ‘is something very special. Bringing together so many people through the joy of music, while making such a meaningful difference to local charities is an incredible achievement’ and that ‘every pound raised will help continue funding pioneering cancer research and education across the north west, improving outcomes for people affected by cancer.’
Their two performances at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester were watched by an audience of eighteen hundred people and were a once in a lifetime experience for both singers and audience. The shows, hosted by Coronation Street actress Sue Devaney were described as ‘truly outstanding performances’. Over 500 singers performed at each show, alongside a live band and string quartet. The choir were joined by eight choir leaders who led them through a repertoire of feel-good songs from across the decades.
Audience members at the evening show were treated to a performance of the Edith Piaf classic, Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien by Sue Devaney which literally brought the house down, with a standing ovation from both audience and choir!
One choir member said,’ What an honour and privilege it was to take part in this spectacular event! It will live in my memory forever.’ Many of the singers from different choirs had never met before, but enjoyed the opportunity to meet new people and sing with so many.
At weekly rehearsals, participants at all choirs learn uplifting songs in four-part harmony, meet other choir members, and discover the choir's upcoming performance opportunities and charitable goals. By joining, members can not only have fun singing but also contribute to important causes in the community. Local Vocals’ team of talented choir leaders make every session fun and accessible to everyone. One member said, “I never thought I’d join a choir - thought it was just for people with perfect voices but Local Vocals changed that! It’s a warm, fun community where everyone’s welcome and you don’t need a great voice to enjoy yourself. I’m so glad I gave it a go!”
The choir is open to anyone over 16, with no auditions, previous singing experience or ability to read music required. If you love music and singing, that’s all you need.
The choir performs a diverse range of songs by artists such as Oasis, Adele, Take That, Fleetwood Mac, Queen, Stevie Wonder, Justin Timberlake and many more, with unique arrangements and exciting performance opportunities at festivals, stadiums, in cathedrals and at community events.
The new term starts in September, so if it’s time for you to find your voice and experience the joy of singing together, book your free trial session at www.localvocalschoir.com. Lots of choirs are opening in new locations this autumn, so if you live in Greater Manchester or Yorkshire, there are now even more places you can sing!
To book the choir for your upcoming event, email [email protected]. Local Vocals also offer workplace singing workshops for businesses that are prioritising staff wellbeing. Please email [email protected] for more information.