It’s almost six months since we brought you the disappointing news that the ‘Ruddington Big Sing’ would not be returning for 2022 after all – having been cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It had previously taken place every two years.
Postponed from 8th October last year, organisers Ruddington Community Choir have confirmed a rescheduled date this May – its traditional ‘slot’ in the village calendar – with tickets available now! Organisers stress that the ‘Big Sing’ is open to anyone and everyone who enjoys singing; you do not have to be a member of a participating choir to attend.
The choir’s founder, Bernie Bracha, says: “After a cancellation in 2020 and a false start in October 2022 (when we realised that October, for many reasons was just not the right time) we are excited to announce the return of ‘The Ruddington Big Sing’ on 20th May 2023. All venues and workshop leaders are booked and tickets are now on sale, with discounts available until 31st March.”
Spread across multiple venues in our village from 10.00am until 5.45pm, ‘Ruddington Big Sing 2023’ will begin in St Peter’s Church with a massed warm-up and workshop. You will then have the chance to select two from a varied choice of six workshops, and they’ll finish the day with a late afternoon concert back in the church featuring performances from their represented choirs. Complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits will be available in St Peter’s Rooms from 9.15am ahead of the warm-ups and during breaks.
The previous ‘Big Sings’ in 2016 and 2018 proved not only entertaining for the participants but also helped by giving local traders a boost. Once again, the ‘Big Sing’ team will be encouraging participants to shop locally while they are visiting Ruddington. In fact, a range of special offers and discounts have been negotiated with village centre businesses – available exclusively to ‘Ruddington Big Sing’ attendees.
Cath Rodkoff from the organising committee adds: “Make a date! During the lockdowns and subsequent restrictions, live music and the social aspect of group singing were really missed so it’s super exciting that we’re able to make new plans with confidence.”
‘Early bird’ tickets cost just £18 for the whole day and can be purchased via Eventbrite >>HERE<<.
Meantime, if you want to get in on the action, Ruddington Community Choir meets most Tuesdays at Ruddington Methodist Church, from 8.00 to 9.30pm. You can check on dates and get more information at https://brachamusic.co.uk/ruddington where prospective new members can sign up for a free taster session.
You can find news and photos from the choir’s tenth birthday celebrations >>HERE<< whilst a slideshow of images from the last ‘Ruddington Big Sing’ in 2018 is below.
