SINGERS of all abilities are being invited to hone their vocal skills while exploring the fascinating history of a grand North-East building.

Professional vocal tutor Rebecca McGarvie, also known as The Singing Elf, will hold a singing workshop at historic Ushaw on Saturday, November 2, followed by a musical tour around the unique heritage site.

The ‘Sing the Spaces’ tour will take visitors though the site’s most famous buildings and rooms, including the theatre and refractory, while demonstrating the remarkable acoustics to be found throughout the historic house and chapels.

The highlight will be participants visiting and singing in the magnificent 19th century St Cuthbert’s Chapel.

Rebecca, who works with singers of all levels, specialises in helping beginners who have a love of singing but are uncertain about their own abilities.

She said: “I had no idea that we had such an amazing building on our doorstep. The acoustics in all the spaces are breath-taking, and singers will have great fun exploring the different sounds we can make – what a fantastic way to reveal the history of Ushaw!”

Jonathan Ward, Commercial Director at Ushaw, added: “Music is very important to us at Ushaw, and the idea of filling the building with song whilst discovering more about our heritage and history is really exciting.”

Tickets cost £17.50, and include the workshop, the Sing the Spaces tour, and afternoon tea served in Ushaw’s stately parlour.  The day begins at 10am and is expected to finish around 3pm. To buy tickets, or for more information, call 0191 3721682 or visit www.thesingingelf.co.uk.