A COMMUNITY music hub has celebrated its 10th anniversary in style by earning a standing ovation at a packed theatre.
Voices of Darlington presented a special concert – called Just Sing – at Darlington Hippodrome to mark its first decade.
The organisation, founded by the inspirational Claire Willmer, has flourished into a performance hub for multiple choirs, made up of more than 300 people of all ages and abilities.
The theatre was sold out for the inclusive show, which featured infants through to adults, performing a wide repertoire. The list included medleys of songs made famous by stars such as Elton John, Ed Sheeran, Queen, Abba, and Taylor Swift; plus other tributes to James Bond and Les Miserables.
The show got off to a pulsating start with a rousing version of Sweet Child O’ Mine, complete with a solo guitarist in the ‘royal box’, and the energy continued throughout the show.
It was a heart-warming concert which left audience members feeling uplifted.
There was a particularly touching moment when Claire Willmer’s little boy, Max, came on stage to explain the history of Voices of Darlington, including how his mum’s love for singing had helped her during a recent fight against cancer.
Towards the end of the show, when Claire sang “You’re The Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me”, Max came back on stage for a cuddle with his mum. Cue the tears and goosebumps!
As Claire said in her programme notes: “My biggest aim is to provide a musical escape to all – young and old – as we never truly know what people have just walked away from. I am so humbled by the community we have created. Here’s to the next ten years!”
Voice of Darlington – you’re one of the best things to have happened in the town in the past 10 years!
