By admin Uncategorized September 30, 2013

CHOIR ISSUES SPECIAL CHRISTMAS INVITATION

Date Posted: 30-09-2013

Bolton Cancer Voices has this week revealed plans for an ambitious festive project, which will see them joined on the stage of the Victoria Hall, Bolton by special guests Besses o’ th’ Barn Band in a Christmas concert aptly titled ‘Jingle Bell Sing-A-Long’.

But the event has an unexpected twist; in what organizers believe may well be an unprecedented move the only known Choir for cancer patients and cancer survivors in the north-west is giving others from across the region whose lives have been personally touched by cancer, the opportunity to join them in performing on stage; an invitation, which they are also extending to professionals whose role involves the treatment, care or support of cancer patients.

The event takes place on Saturday, 7th December and promises a night filled with all the wonderful carols and evocative festive music which is so much a part of Christmas, with plenty of opportunities for the audience to sing-a-long too.

Bolton Cancer Voices was established fourteen months ago and is having a real impact on the lives’ of its members; Choir member Lynne, – a breast cancer patient – comments:

‘The Choir has added 100% to my quality of life since cancer; music works wonders.’

With the aim to provide a positive, motivational and diversionary environment in which members can have fun, enjoy the challenges and exhilaration of performing and have a focus aside from their illness; the Choir also offers an informal forum for cancer patients and cancer survivors to meet with others in a similar situation and benefit from mutual support and understanding. New Choir members are always welcome and the Choir hopes to build to become 70 strong.

Anyone interested in taking part in ‘Jingle Bell Sing-A-Long’ should be a cancer patient at any point in their cancer journey whether newly diagnosed, in treatment or living with cancer as a life-limiting condition; a cancer survivor, regardless of the time elapsed since diagnosis; or a professional involved with this patient group whether Hospital or community based. Previous singing experience isn’t necessary, you don’t need to be able to read music, there are no auditions to worry about and no fees being charged.

Everyone involved must be available to attend rehearsals on the 4 Mondays leading up to the concert, starting on Monday 11th November. Rehearsals take place at the Friends’ Meeting House, Silverwell Street, Bolton from 7.30pm – 9.30pm; participants must also be able to attend the Dress Rehearsal from 10am – 1pm on the day of the performance.

Karen Elliott, Chair of Bolton Cancer Voices said:

‘We are tremendously excited about this event and it’s challenging format; to have Besses agree to be part of what we hope will be a highly entertaining and inspirational evening is fantastic, they are a great Band with a well-deserved reputation and it should be an awesome experience for audience and participants alike. We have endeavoured to keep ticket prices for the concert low at just £5-00 in the hope that everyone will get behind this festive event and we’ll have a ‘sell-out’ on our hands. At capacity the hall holds 1250 and it would be phenomenal to see every one of those seats filled.’

People wishing to take part in ‘Jingle Bell Sing-A-Long’ should contact Karen now to avoid disappointment, as places on stage are limited.

Karen said:

‘We just need people to have enthusiasm, a willingness to learn and the desire to have fun. We are most fortunate to have a great and very experienced Musical Director in Clive Rushworth, who takes a relaxed approach to rehearsals making learning easy and enjoyable no matter what people’s level of experience so I’m confident everyone will have a great time.’

Karen can be contacted on 01204 595562; 07773 164235 or boltoncancervoices@yahoo.com.

Tickets for ‘Jingle Bell Sing-A-Long’ are available from the Albert Halls Box Office on 01204 334400 / www.alberthalls-bolton.co.uk.