May 2025 was a particularly busy month for the choir. On Wednesday 7th May, as suggested by the National Association of Choirs, we gave up our normal rehearsal time to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day. We were joined by our friends Colne Orpheus Glee Union Male Voice Choir. Both choirs entertained with a selection of pieces from their current repertoire, before inviting the audience to join in singing some patriotic songs including a rousing version of 'I vow to thee my country'. The evening was beautifully rounded off with a performance by local piper Steve Sumner.
Saturday 17th May saw the choir perforiming in our annual charity concert at Sion Church in Burnley. This was a much more light hearted affair performing a variety of pieces some new pieces and some old favourites, selected by Musical Director John Garrett who sadly, after 23 years, will be retiring from his position.
The choir was supported by local trio 'The Flat Cap Pack' the lads who put the Lancashire into Las Vegas, or should that be the other way round!
All of this activity meant we were able to present the North West Air Ambulance charity with a cheque for £600.
Older news.
In November 2023 the choir was awarded the title of Lancashire Choir of the Year 2023. The prize for winning was a musical workshop with Head Judge Matthew Thomas, followed by a recording session with the choir's musical director John Garrett. Both of these took place in the glorious setting of Lancaster Priory. Since launching the new name in January the choir have also bought stunning new uniforms, and this was a great opportunity to show them off.
The Lancashire Choir of the year competition is organised by Lancashire County Council, and is open to any choir based in Lancashire.
The initial competition requires choirs to send a video of a performance, from these just 6 choirs were selected to appear at a live final, which this year was held at Lancaster University Great Hall. The final was compered by Tim Uffindell.
The judging panel for the competition in 2023 consisted of Saphena Aziz, Director of Inclusion at Curious Minds; Jane Irwin, Soprano; Matthew Thomas, Musical Director of Rossendale Male Voice Choir and County Councillor Phillippa Williamson, leader of Lancashire County Council. In their comments the judging panel complimented the brilliant communication between choir and conductor and the fantastic piano accompaniment.