35th anniversary marked by mass SingAbout

On Wednesday 5 October, as the first major event to mark Independent Arts’ 35th anniversary, 115 people came together at Newport Minster, to sing their hearts out and celebrate our longest-running programme, SingAbout.

This was Independent Art’s first large-scale event sincethe pandemic, and brought together participants, carers and families from all seven SingAbout groups, volunteers and some members of the public (including a couple on a coach tour from Kent who were most distressed they had to leave before the end to get
back on the coach!)

Joan and Richard Foyle said: “Thank you so very much for the Big Sing last week, it really was wonderful and so uplifting – just what we need with all the troubles facing us all. Although it looked effortless, I have no doubt that the amount of hard work putting on such a big occasion was enormous, but rest assured we are so very grateful for this and all the other brilliant events you put together for us. Long may you be able to continue doing so.”

As well as celebrating the joy of singing and our own 35th anniversary, the event also marked National Older Persons month (most of our singers are over 55).

Each singer received a goodie bag with a 35th birthday biscuit, song sheet with the afternoon’s lyrics, a thank you card and an invitation to become a friend of Independent Arts