Local Vocals, a community choir network, is expanding with seven new singing groups across Yorkshire starting in September. The organisation has raised more than £80,000 for local charities since its founding five years ago, and the new groups will meet weekly in Otley, Castleford, Barnsley, Harrogate, Skipton, Bradford, and Keighley.
No experience needed to join weekly sessions
Singers of all abilities are welcome to join the weekly sessions, with no auditions required and no need to read music. Experienced leaders will direct the groups, teaching uplifting multi-part harmony arrangements of hits by iconic artists including Oasis, Adele, Queen, and Stevie Wonder.
The organisation emphasises that the groups are designed to help residents boost their wellbeing and meet new friends. A choir member said: "I never thought I’d join a choir - thought it was just for people with perfect voices, but Local Vocals changed that!"
Performance opportunities and charity impact
Group members can opt into performance opportunities at major venues, festivals, cathedrals, and local community events. Recent shows at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester performed to 3,600 people across two dates and raised more than £23,000 for cancer research.
Organisers believe that singing in a group offers benefits for both physical health and mental wellbeing while building strong community connections. The choir member added: "It’s a warm, fun community where everyone’s welcome and you don’t need a great voice to enjoy yourself."
Free taster sessions available in September
The weekly sessions will start in September at venues in all seven towns, and free taster sessions are available for those interested. To find out more information or book a free taster session, visit the Local Vocals website at https://www.localvocalschoir.com/.
