Lucy's Pop Choir invites you to sing along in Harrogate

The choir's director Lucy McLean said “I was so worried about my choir not being able to see each other every week.

"It’s a lifeline for so many of them, A place where we hang out, laugh, catch up and that’s not even mentioning the singing.

"I know how important singing is for your mental health and how much evidence there is for how it combats depression, anxiety and loneliness, so, I knew I had to do something to make sure we could keep meeting, keep having a giggle, and keep singing through this odd and surreal time.”

The choir now meets using ‘Zoom’, a video conference software, where you can all have your webcam on - or not, if you’d prefer not to - and see each other singing along. Lucy runs the sessions by teaching one of the choir songs and participants can join in from the comfort of their own homes.

“It’s very different to how we normally run choir, because everyone has to stay muted except me, but I can see them all singing along and getting their whole families involved which is so amazing to watch! We’ve run three sessions already and had more than 170 people join us.

"I send out lyrics beforehand, teach the parts of the song including the harmonies, and then we all try it together along with the backing track.

"I guess it’s a bit like karaoke, but way more fun! I’m really hoping we can spread the word and get as many people as possible involved. It’s such a great way to boost your mood and something to look forward to in what is rapidly becoming a very empty social calendar.

"The best part is, you can do it in your dressing gown with a glass of wine and some snacks."

The first session started two weeks ago with a fun disco song from Average White Band called Let’s Go Round Again followed by The Jonas Brothers’ ‘What a Man Gotta Do the week after. This week they'll be learning I Want to Break Free' by Queen which is very appropriate considering the circumstances.

You can join in by visiting their website for more info:

Lucy's Pop Choir invites you to sing along in Harrogate - how you can join in