Singers from Suffolk and Essex have had a taste of the big time while recording a charity single for Children in Need at on of England’s world-famous studios.
More than 250 members of community choir Funky Voices travelled to the BBC’s Maida Vale studios on November 8 to record their latest album.
On it will be the single Stop, a medley of songs by Erasure, which will help raise money for Children in Need.
The choir’s members travelled down to the studio, which has hosted acts such as The Beatles, David Bowie and Amy Winehouse over the years, dressed up in Children in Need costumes.
At Maida Vale they were welcomed by Erasure vocalist Andy Bell who gave the single his seal of approval.
“It was quite overwhelming to walk into the recording studio and see over 250 people singing your song,” he said. “Funky Voices have done a fantastic job.”
Pudsey Bear was also present at the recording and Funky Voices musical director Sandra Colston said the singers had a fantastic day out.
“This was such an amazing day – to have worked with the team from Children In Need, to meet Andy and to see his reaction and how much he enjoyed our performance,” she said.
“The slogan of Children In Need is Be A Hero and Andy is certainly a hero for many people in the choir.
“The day was a tremendous success and a great tribute to everyone involved in putting in so much hard work to pull it all together. Everyone’s work and dedication has really brought us this far.”
Funky Voices has weekly choirs in Ipswich, Colchester and Witham, as well as locations in south Essex.
It also runs a quarterly mass choir for members and the public as well as workshops in schools and workplaces.
Ms Colston added: “We are all so proud about what we have achieved and we are so excited that it has now been released.
“We will then definitely be watching BBC Children In Need this Friday.”
Stop is now available to buy in support of Children in Need on iTunes. Photos by Bob Braine.
Have you got a fundraising event planned for Children in Need? Let us know by sending an email to newsroom@archant.co.uk
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