ChoirBLAST – Godalming Alive with the Sound of Music, (and the indefatigable Phoebe Gaydon!)

Having enjoyed a wonderful start to the day with over 1,900 Beavers and Rainbows at Surrey Bazzaz, Suzanne and I then had the most uplifting afternoon at ChoirBLAST, where 78 choirs came together in Godalming, performing across 11 stages, bringing joy to both the singers and the audience alike.ChoirBLAST is a charity that celebrates the joy of contemporary group singing through an annual festival and community initiatives. Bringing together choirs from across the world, ChoirBLAST creates accessible choir projects for all ages and abilities, hosts vibrant, inclusive events that unite communities and raises funds for local causes. They believe that music is for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned singer or someone who has never sung a note before. By creating choirs in schools, workplaces, care homes, and community spaces, they aim to give everyone the chance to experience the power of singing together.​ Fostering inclusivity and connection their goal is to bring people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds together. Whether young or old, able-bodied or differently-abled, music has the power to bridge gaps and build a supportive, inclusive community.All this was evident at the festival, with vast numbers of people enjoying the free event, on a glorious sunny afternoon. We saw the Guildford Jazz Choir, the Halow Project Choir, an NHS Choir from Hull and many others.

ChoirBLAST is the brainchild of the indefatigable Phoebe Gaydon who runs a number of choirs locally, including in schools and for local charities like The Meath and Halow Project and she was rushing around the various stages all day on a scooter to be wherever one of her choirs were performing. She, her fellow trustees and all the volunteers brought so much joy to so many people with this their third festival. Make sure you are there to join in next year!

You can visit their extremely vibrant website at https://www.choirblast.com