An inclusive community singing festival is returning to Durham on Saturday after a four-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Durham Big Sing aims to bring people together to celebrate singing as a group, and the joy that this brings. The welcoming event, encouraging members of choirs from the North East and further afield to come and join in.
The full-day festival is open to people of all abilities and experience, with three workshops running across the day before it ends with an evening performance.
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There is also flexibility when it comes to paying for tickets, as people can choose what they can afford to pay, with prices ranging from £5-£25.
The festival is being hosted in full accessible venues in the heart of Durham, aiming to help those with barriers to be able to enjoy taking part in singing in the same way as everyone else.
As part of this, designated event parking and a wheelchair friendly shuttle bus to take people between venues have also been arranged, with a team of volunteers who will be able to offer support throughout the event.
Rebecca McGarvie, founder of the disability-led charity The Singing Elf, said: "We’re thrilled to bring back Durham Big Sing after a long hiatus due to the pandemic. Times are hard right now and we know that lots of people in our communities experiencing burnout so our day of singing will be the perfect antidote.
"Singing has a proven track record in reducing stress and improving wellbeing. For those unable to attend a weekly choir, this is your chance to experience all the benefits in just one day.
“Our team know first-hand, how difficult it can be to access events if you live with long term health conditions or disabilities or are neurodivergent.
“Durham Big Sing welcomes adult singers of all abilities from all walks of life. You don’t need any previous experience, be part of a choir or even believe that you can sing to take part.
"You’ll learn the songs from scratch on the day and don’t need to be able to read sheet music to join in. It is truly inclusive, joyful day, aimed to help you feel good."
More information can be found and tickets can be booked here.
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