A group of singers who practice in Park Gate won a top award at a music festival – after just five months together.
The Western Wards Community Choir was awarded a trophy at the Fareham Music Festival with a mix of jazz and acapella singing.
The Western Wards Community Choir
The group of 40 women beat three other choirs – The Lowry Girls, West Hill Park Community Choir and The Solent Singers – from the borough to win the Rose Cup in the Adult Choir class.
Erica Maggs, who leads the choir which practices at Park Gate Primary School, was excited by the response.
“It was a complete shock. We didn’t expect to win,” she said. “This was our second time performing in front of an audience. In many ways it was an exercise to enjoy it and take part.
“We knew that West Hill Park Community Choir was a good choir and won it last year and The Solent Singers have long been established as a choir, so we didn’t expect much.
“I could really tell by our members that they were elated. The adjudicator said we didn’t sound like a choir that started five months ago and said we should come back next year, which was really nice.”
The choristers sang in front of a packed audience at St Peter and St Paul’s Church in Fareham for the popular festival.
New members are welcome to the singing group. For more information on Hampshire Music Services and how to join the Western Wards Community Choir visit www3.hants.gov.uk/education/hms.