High note for Mail after voices plea

Aug 18 2005 By Anna Jeys, Evening Mail

MORE than 500 Birmingham singers have come forward to help form Brum's biggest ever choir, after a desperate appeal in the Evening Mail.

The incredible response came after the organisers of the Big Voice decided they wanted to create a huge procession through the city centre.

They are aiming to bring together one of the biggest choirs ever to collect in Birmingham as past of the city's Artfest extravaganza.

Organisers of the Big Voice choral event were desperate to find 1000 budding singers to join a candlelit procession as the centrepiece of Birmingham's Artfest celebrations.

After an Evening Mail appeal, 500 eager Brummies signed up to the event. Now organisers are looking for the final 500.

The procession will culminate with the sound of the 1,000 voices in Centenary Square.

Organiser Sharon Foster said: "We have been delighted with the response so far. In the week since we launched the appeal, we have already had over 500 volunteers come forward from all walks of the Midland's cultural life."

The Big Voice is funded by Birmingham City Council's Urban Fusion cultural programme. Artsfest runs from September 9-11.

Other performers include Steel Pulse, Soweto Kinch, Pato Banton, Birmingham Royal Ballet, CBSO, Birmingham Opera Company, Sampad and Ex Cathedra. To join the procession, on September 10, call Sharon on 0121 464 8555.