People’s Show Choirs come together for “joyous” day making new friends

When The People’s Show Choirs(TPSC) from across the UK were brought together to sing, it not only sounded uplifting but opened the door to new friendships. Here’s a closer look at The Shrewsbury Showcase and why members have been raving about it as “amazing” and “joyous”.

Singers from 15 People’s Show Choirs gathered for an away day with a difference during the Summer. Undeterred by long distances, some even travelled from as far afield as the Black Isle, above Inverness in the Scottish Highlands.

They made a staggering 450-mile bus to reach the Showcase in leafy Shropshire. Others headed over from Wales and across the Midlands for this year’s Show Choir big bash.

Held on July 13, the highly-anticipated session was at Shrewsbury School. Local choir, the Shrewsbury TPSC were on hosting duties to quickly put fellow singers at ease as soon as they arrived with a warm welcome.

Despite being part of the same organisation, this was the first encounter many members were having with singers from other groups nationwide. So, the hall was bristling with excitement and anticipation to hear from fellow singers had been practising for their special performance.

Highlights of the day

Choral Development Manager Ula Weber led singers to perform with their own choirs as well as in a mass singalong of Rolling Home.

Regional choir leaders were there too, along with accompanists providing a soundtrack at this spectacular social event in the heart of the country.

Each choir took it in turn to highlight popular tunes they had been working on in weekly rehearsals.  Sitting back to listen to others create glorious music in historic surroundings was among the highlight of the day for many.

Choir member Amanda Murphy was quick to praise the Showcase, commenting: “It was wonderful listening to all the different songs that each group showcased.

“Some funny, some pulled at the heart strings, but all sung with passion.

“It was lovely to spend the day with joyful, caring and generous people. It was joyous from start to finish.”

Members of the Sutton Coldfield People’s Show Choir were among several hundred singers who took part and were left with a smile on their face.

That included Mark Runiewicz who said: “The Shrewsbury Showcase was my wife and mine’s first external event since joining the choir.

“From the moment we walked through the gates of Shrewsbury School we were met with a warm welcome by our hosts, TPSC Shrewsbury, which we loved.

“We just started singing, led by Ula. The choirs were friendly, we loved the social interaction with the people from the other choirs.

“We were buzzing after singing our showcase. We learnt so much in a relaxed environment, had some much fun and made many new friends.

“It also gave us a chance to get to know some of our own choir better. It was a great day.”

People’s Show Choirs across the country

The People’s Show Choirs were set up to create a network of vibrant community choirs across the UK. They sing fun pop hits, show tunes and famous songs from movies and have attracted people of all ages.

Members meet every week to rehearse and socialise but they also do occasional singing trips to other towns and get-togethers with our Show Choirs for a ‘Showcase’.

They even went international with a Show Choirs trip to Krakow, where they performed in public spaces entertaining locals. The five-day trip in May was led by People’s Show Choir tour leader Chris Weber, who has family in Poland and knew Krakow well.

The Poland trip was the first adventure abroad and another is now being planned. Read more about the Krakow trip here.

First timers praise Shrewsbury Showcase

Vernon Thornton, also from Sutton Coldfield People’s Show Choir near Birmingham, was among those full of praise for the event.

“Shrewsbury was a great day all round,” said Vernon. “I can’t think of anything that could have improved it as they got everything right first time.

“I enjoy all our performances at the Show Choir.”

For many it was the first time they had experienced a ‘showcase event’, but had been warned that it would involve eating a lot of cake too.

Paul Groves, a singer with TPSC Halesowen, messaged afterwards to say:” So happy to have become a member of The People’s Show Choir and to do performances like this. Such a wonderful day of singing and new friendships formed.”

Gail Daffurn was among those experiencing it for the first time but left calling it “simply the best”.

Julie Lawrence was also glowing from the chance to meet and sing with other The People’s Show Choirs. “I had such an amazing day,” she mused.

What the Show Choirs Showcase is all about

Rob Hadley added that it had been an “excellent day”. “Well done everyone that made it work,” he added.

Ahead of the gathering, singer Joanna Earl had summed up what to expect from the day to newer members. “The showcase is a fab day spent with your own choir and mixing with others,” said Joanna.

“It’s fab to see what repertoire everyone has been working on and then, most importantly, we get to eat lots of cake.”

Relaxing and making friends is a key part of what The People’s Show Choirs are all about. Leader Chris Weber has described them as being “all about joy and laughter”.

Singing not only helps people reconnect with music but offers them an outlet to destress, forget about everyday worries for a while and meet new people.

Get involved with The People’s Show Choirs

New People’s Show Choirs have recently launched in towns including Coventry, Malvern, York and Weston-super-Mare.

If you are interested in joining your local People’s Show Choir, you can find more information about it here, along with details of a two week free trial and locate the nearest to where you live.