Singers from far and wide have the chance to lend their voices to a popular event being organised to raise funds for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
Fakenham Choral Society’s Come and Sing Day is being held at Fakenham Academy on Saturday, 15th April.
Although the bulk of the singers come from North Norfolk, others are travelling from as far as Milton Keynes, Hertfordshire, Cheshire and Northumberland.
Anyone can sign up and the theme of the day is a musical celebration of Norfolk’s most famous son, Horatio Nelson.
Donations and the proceeds of a raffle will be sent to EACH, which supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions. It has three hospices, including The Nook, near Norwich.
“We’re very excited about this year’s Come and Sing Day and look forward to welcoming people from far and wide, from across East Anglia and beyond,” said Rosemary Dear, Vice-Chairman of Fakenham Choral Society (FCS).
“Some travel a long way for these days and anyone and everyone is welcome, if they like singing. People from far and wide have already registered and all have been to our Come and Sing Days before.
“They’re mainly the friends or family of local people, but anyone can come – either to participate or just to support us by listening. It’s a very fun day.
“The day will be led in his usual exuberant style by our musical director, Mark Jones, accompanied by James Mooney Dutton.
“Singers will take part in morning and afternoon workshops and they will be working on Joseph Haydn’s ‘Nelson Mass’, which was written around the time Nelson defeated Napoleon and was hailed the saviour of Europe.
“The day will culminate in an informal, free performance at 5pm. Everyone is welcome to come along and enjoy the music.”
The Come and Sing Day costs £15 (£3 for under-21s), which includes score hire.
Singers are asked to register by 10th April, either through the FCS website – www.fakenhamchoralsociety.org (follow the Come and Sing 2023 link for more information and registration forms) or by contacting Rosemary Dear via rosemary_dear@hotmail.com or 01328 851776.
“If you’re not a singer, please come and listen to the culmination of the day’s work,” added Rosemary.
“FCS would be delighted to welcome an audience for an informal performance at 5pm. Admission is free but there will be donation buckets for the audience to give any donations to EACH.”
The pictures were taken during last year’s Come and Sing Day.