Brighton-based choir for homeless & marginalised singers to perform in The Big Christmas Singalong!
A Brighton-based choir for people who’ve experienced homelessness and marginalisation will perform in our Concert Hall for the first time, as part of The Big Christmas Singalong!
The Choir with No Name opened their Brighton branch in August this year, and the new singers will be joining the charity’s London choir for their annual Big Christmas Singalong!, on Thu 13 Dec. Performing their inimitable take on the Christmas classics, The Choir with No Name is excited to be joined by very special guests, the Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus.
The Choir with No Name Brighton is already 40 members strong and growing. They rehearse every Monday at One Church in the city centre, and each rehearsal is followed by a hot meal together cooked by a team of volunteers. Members, who are largely from the homeless and recovery community, are offered an opportunity to make friends, learn new skills and grow in confidence, all through the power of singing together in a safe, non-judgmental space.
The choir is run in partnership with Brighton Housing Trust who employ the choir manager, as well as provide members with direct access to their support services.
Andy Winter, CEO BHT said:
“We are thrilled to be running our own CWNN Brighton, having admired the work of CWNN for many years. The membership numbers of the choir are growing every week and the feedback from choir members and volunteers has been so positive and uplifting.”
The Choir with No Name’s Big Christmas Singalong! has become an annual highlight in the Brighton Christmas calendar, with audience members coming back year after year to join in with a host of festive favourites, from ‘White Christmas to ‘I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday’ and everything in between. This year is the charity’s 10th anniversary, and they are celebrating by bringing their London choir, as well as sackfuls of Christmas cheer, to the seaside and delivering more yuletide fun than you can fit in Santa’s sleigh!
Paul, London choir member:
“The love from the choir and the support they have given me - making sure I’m not alone at Christmas anymore - has really touched my heart. I’ve always had bad memories of Christmas, but now I look forward to it and have great memories that will live with me for ever.”
The Choir with No Name HQ:
“Our choirs provide a platform for members to sing their hearts out among good friends – a hugely effective way of building confidence and general wellbeing, enabling members to re-establish their place in the world and move away from homelessness long term. Our Big Christmas Singalong! is the highlight of the year for our members, giving them a positive Christmas experience at a time of year that can be extremely tough for people who are homeless and isolated. We are thrilled to be back here again for the third year running, and look forward to giving the Brighton crowd a festive night to remember!”
Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus chairman, Vaughan Leyshon:
“We are amazed by the enthusiasm of The Choir with No Name's members and have huge respect for the invaluable work their organisation does to help people that have experienced homelessness and marginalisation. We are looking forward to sing together to what promises to be a fantastic evening for everyone attending.”
Proceeds and donations from the night will support The Choir with No Name and Brighton Housing Trust
Tickets & further info for The Big Christmas Singalong!
Brighton Dome Concert Hall, Thu 13 Dec, 7.30pm