Residents in Thanet are being encouraged to join a new choir launching this month, where singers can learn tunes from musical legends such as Elton John, Tina Turner and Aretha Franklin.
From January 8, people of all ages and abilities will be able to join the Margate Soul Choir, held at the Cliftonville Community Centre on Monday nights from 7.30pm.
Set up and run by award-winning Kent-based musicians and composers Abi Gilchrist and Ross Power, Soul Choirs already has ten branches across the South-East and London including in Tunbridge Wells and Whitstable.
The Margate Soul Choir is one of four new groups being set up for 2024, with other openings in Brockley, King’s Hill and London’s King’s Cross.
There is no need to audition or be able to read music to join a Soul Choir. Experienced choir leaders teach groups in a 90-minute session each week, with singers learning around seven songs per term.
At the end of each term, there is a chance for choir members to perform in concerts across Kent and London. Past concert venues have included Dreamland in Margate, Greenwich and Docklands Festival, the Southbank Centre and Camden’s Electric Ballroom (KOKO).
Some members have even had the chance to perform with soul legends such as Mica Paris, Lemar, Incognito, Alison Limerick and others appeared on last year’s M&S’ Christmas advert.
Abi Gilchrist, co-founder of Soul Choirs said: “We are thrilled to be opening four new branches of Soul Choirs in London and Kent and spreading the Soul Choirs joy for more people to make local friends, learn amazing songs and have some incredible performance opportunities. Our choir members always tell us that singing boosts their mood and helps their mental health too.
“If you’d like to have a try, sign up for a free taster session via our website. You’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain!”
Rehearsals will be on Mondays at the Cliftonville Community Centre, St Paul’s Road, from 7.30pm until 9pm.
To sign up for a free taster session, visit soulchoirs.com
