New community choir to launch in Bradford

Community choir organisation Local Vocals is opening a new group in Bradford, giving people aged 16 and over the opportunity to take part in weekly singing sessions without the need for previous experience.

Local Vocals was established in 2021 by Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts graduate Laura Bennett-Gornall and now operates more than 40 choirs across the North of England. The organisation says its choirs have raised more than £80,000 for local charities since being established.

The new Bradford choir will meet on Monday evenings from 7pm to 8:30pm at Windhill Community Centre, 2 Church Street, Shipley, and will be led by choir leader Johanna.

Sessions will see members learn a range of songs in four-part harmony, with a repertoire featuring music by artists including Oasis, Adele, Take That, Fleetwood Mac, Queen, Stevie Wonder, Justin Timberlake and The Human League.

Members can also choose to take part in performances and fundraising events. Recent Local Vocals concerts at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall attracted audiences of around 1,800 people at each show and raised more than £23,000 for North West Cancer Research.

The Bradford group is open to anyone aged over 16, with no auditions, previous singing experience or ability to read music required.

Speaking of their own experience with the chior, one Local Vocals member said:

“I never thought I’d join a choir – thought it was just for people with perfect voices but Local Vocals changed that! It’s a warm, fun community where everyone’s welcome and you don’t need a great voice to enjoy yourself. I’m so glad I gave it a go!”

Local Vocals says its sessions are intended to provide opportunities for people to sing, meet others and become involved in their local community.

Further information about the Bradford choir and details of how to book a free taster session are available at localvocalschoir.com.