It’s been rather a long wait, partly due to COVID-19 restrictions, but Ruddington’s much loved singing festival is finally back this month. As before, the aim is to enjoy singing together, and anyone can take part, whether you can sing or not!
‘The Big Sing 2023’ is run by Ruddington Community Choir, who hope it will be a welcome boost to our village economy, too. Organisers estimate over 160 people will gather between 9am and 6pm on Saturday 20th May, with the event starting and ending at St Peter’s Church.
Participants will begin with a mass warm-up, then you’ll be coached by a professional at your chosen workshops at various village centre venues. This time around, these are St Peter’s Church (pictured top), St Peter’s Rooms, Ruddington Methodist Church, The Hermitage, and The Framework Knitters’ Museum. The day will culminate with an afternoon concert, where you’ll perform with your choir.
Bernie Bracha, Musical Director of Ruddington’s ‘Big Sing’, says “You don’t have to be a member of a choir to participate, or even good at singing – we’ve got lots of Tuneless Choir members from across the country registered to attend! All we ask is that you share the undoubted joy of singing in a group.”
In addition to the ‘Big Sing’ event (which to take part in you’ll need to purchase a ticket in advance*) there’ll be a FREE ‘shanty concert’ at lunchtime, so anyone can just turn up in St Peter’s Church at 1.15pm. There’s a new ‘shanty crew’ called ‘Landlocked Knots’ who were formed especially for ‘Ruddington Big Sing’ by Norman Randall – well known for founding the ‘Trent Navigation Company Shanty Crew’ with Dave Martin.
Cath Rodkoff, from the organising committee, explains: “We very much view ‘Ruddington Big Sing’ as an event for the whole village. We’re trying to keep disruption to a minimum and reduce the carbon footprint of The Big Sing by asking participants, wherever possible, to arrive by public transport.
“We are also encouraging them to make use of Ruddington’s fabulous and varied range of independent food, drink and retail outlets. In fact, some of Ruddington’s local businesses are generously offering discounts to participants, who will be clearly visible with their orange festival wristbands.”
Organisers have created this useful map of participating ‘Ruddington Big Sing’ venues – also showing the nearest bus stops – below:
*Other than for the lunchtime ‘shanty’ concert, if you’d like to take part in Ruddington Big Sing 2023 you WILL need to buy a ticket, priced at £20 for the whole day. They’re available online until midnight on Saturday 13th May >>HERE<<.
May is certainly a very busy month in Ruddington – with the ongoing Coronation celebrations (6th-13th May) and RuddFest 2023 still to come (25th-28th May). Hopefully village businesses, organisations and residents will all benefit from these great, community events.
