01 May Song for Horsham Choir search begins

Horsham will have its very own anthem next week when the winner of the Song for Horsham competition is announced.

Now the town is looking for an inspirational choir to perform the new song at a special charity launch event in aid of the Horsham 100 fundraising drive.

The Song for Horsham contest has really caught the town’s imagination and scores of high quality entries have been submitted.

An expert judging panel – made up of Voice From the Coalshed founder Kaytie Harding, Dame Vera Lynn, The County Times’ Theo Cronin; and from Tanbridge House School, Headteacher Jules White and Year 10 music student Will Thomas – has been put together to decide on the winner.

Kaytie Harding said: “In our wildest dreams we had no idea we would get so many high quality entries. The creativity shown has been amazing.

“The judges will really have their work cut out picking a winner and in the meantime we need to find a choir worthy of singing the Horsham anthem – and we’re starting the recruitment this coming weekend.”

Members of the Song for Horsham team will be out and about in the town this Saturday (5th May) drumming up budding choristers. No singing experience is necessary as full training will be given during a series of midweek rehearsal sessions.

Peter Sutton, co-founder of Horsham 100, said: “We’re calling out to anyone who wants to get involved in launching this fantastic new song for the town.

“Whether you’re an experienced singer, a keen novice or you’ve never sung a note before in your life, we want to hear from you. We’ll also be out on the streets of Horsham this Saturday drumming up support.”

The choir, which will be put together and coached by Kaytie Harding, aims to raise £20,000 for Horsham 100, which this year is supporting the Dame Vera Lynn Trust for Children with Cerebral Palsy.

Prominent Horsham businesses Courtney Green and Covers have already agreed support the choir to the tune of £10,000 and it is hoped a further £10,000 will be raised in sponsorship.

The grand finale of the Song for Horsham competition will be an exclusive live performance on 26th May. Anyone interested in taking part in the choir should email Kaytie at Kaytie@voicefromthecoalshed.co.uk or sign up to Horsham’s First Spontaneous Choir Facebook page.