Moreton Hall hosted over 300 local school children from across Shropshire and the Welsh Marches for their Big Sing Event.

The Big Sing, which is an annual event, returned even bigger and better than before, and, due to popular demand, this year the event was hosted over two days.

The Big Sing initiative, developed by North Shropshire Music hub and under the expert tuition of Moreton Hall’s Music department, encourages young children to explore the joys of making music as well as generating a love and enjoyment for choral singing. Pupils from Moreton Prep, Gobowen, Pentre, Carreghofa, Weston Rhyn, St Mary’s. St Martin’s, Madras, Selattyn, Criffitins, Cockshutt and Coleham got the chance to experience singing in a large group regardless of the size of their school.

The event was expertly led by one of Britain’s most successful and ambitious choral conductors, Aled Phillips, Founder, Conductor and Artistic Director of Johns’ Boys, a local Male Voice Chorus who reached the semi-finalists in last year’s Britain’s Got Talent. He was joined by Moreton Hall’s own Ellie Diack. Ellie is not only known for her work with Moreton but also through her work with Face2Face Performing Arts Academy which provides pupils between the ages of 9 and 18 expert teaching in dancing, singing and acting. Ellie was also a finalist for Vocal Teacher of the Year in the prestigious national Music and Drama Awards 2024.

Across the day the children were split up into workshops where they learnt different songs and ways of singing. The day culminated in a performance to their family and friends.

Amy Lott, Director of Music at Moreton Hall, said: “The Big Sing was yet another incredible event. It was so great to see so many children from different schools engaging with both Aled and Ellie. Singing, and music in general, boosts not only our mood, but also our wellbeing. Over the past two days, The Holroyd Community Theatre has been filled with so much joy and enthusiasm, it was wonderful to see and be a part of.”

Aled Phillips said: “What an amazing two days! It was a privilege to be a part of such a wonderful project. The children were incredible and the event was impeccably organised and executed by the Moreton’s Music department.”

Helen Rayner, Music Outreach Coordinator at Moreton Hall, said: “Bringing children together through the art of song has been a hugely rewarding experience for all our tutors over the last few days. The engagement and level of commitment displayed by the youngsters has been second to none. We very much hope to build on the partnerships we have formed with our local schools and cement them in further music projects and initiatives in the future and continue to work alongside nationally and internationally renowned music groups such as Johns’ Boys Chorus.”

Anthea Renshaw, a parent from Coleham Primary School, said: “The performance at the end of the workshop was brimming with enthusiasm from all the children involved, and spoke volumes as to the fun they had had and the quality of music that had been shared during the day.”

Moreton Hall will be hosting further musical and performance events throughout the year with The Big Sing returning in 2025.