Ruddington was alive with the sound of music yesterday – as around 170 voices demonstrated the joy of singing at various venues around our village.
Organised by Ruddington Community Choir, ‘The Big Sing’ was back – after a five year absence due to COVID-19 and other factors – and it seems participants from near and far quickly and eagerly picked up from where it had left off.
The big day (Saturday May 20th 2023) started with a ‘Mass Workshop’ in St Peter’s Church where singers learned ‘I’m Into Something Good’ and ‘Blame it on the Boogie’ in 3 parts. Then attendees could choose two from a selection of six workshops at venues around Ruddington. In-between, a free lunchtime concert by scratch shanty crew ‘Landlocked Knots’ welcomed audience members in addition to those enrolled on ‘The Big Sing’ itself. Later, the massed choirs rehearsed in readiness to give their ‘Big Sing: Gala Concert’ to round off a memorable day.
The event’s Musical Director, Bernie Bracha (pictured top, addressing the attendees), says: “Ruddington Big Sing is one of the highlights of my year. It’s such a joyful occasion, and it feels like it’s been a long time since our last event in 2018, so it really was a delight to be back. Singing is such an exuberant pastime, and it’s proven to help with general wellbeing – seeing so many people in Ruddington enjoying this makes my job worthwhile.”
Cath Rodkoff, of the organising committee, adds: “Ruddington Big Sing is a massive event to pull together by a committee of volunteers, most of us working full time, who certainly aren’t event management professionals! It does give us a few sleepless nights but it’s always worth it in the end; to see all those smiling faces in Ruddington. It’s hopefully also been a benefit to many of the local businesses our participants were frequenting.”
Videos of some of the choir performances from the concert are promised in due course via their Facebook page >>HERE<<. Meantime, you can enjoy more photographs from the yesterday – kindly shared with RUDDINGTON.info – below:
Certainly the feedback so far from those taking part, via a post-event questionnaire, seems very positive:
- “What an incredible day. Slick organisation, engaging workshops, an awful lot of fun!”
- “This was my first Big Sing and I really enjoyed it. I thought the organisation was excellent and the committee members very helpful. Well done!”
- “I had a great day, with a brilliant crowd and fantastic workshop leaders. Can’t wait to come again.”
(N.B. This survey was anonymous – hence the lack of names.)
Organisers have already enthusiastically pencilled in a date for their next ‘Ruddington Big Sing’ – on 17th May 2025 – although admit they’ve not even spoken to any of the venues yet!
