'Singing to feel better’ - the Manchester choir lifting hearts and raising money for charity

A choir in South Manchester is helping members focus on the positives, even while the news around the world may be getting some of us down. Choirs Manchester is the brainchild of Sarah Adams, who believes we could all feel a little better if we sing out loud and proud - and next month the choir is raising money for charity with a live show.

Raised voices bounce off the high ceilings of the Withington Public Hall Institute one Tuesday evening as choir leader Sarah conducts a complicated-sounding three-part harmony. Choirs Manchester is rehearsing ‘90s dance classic Freed From Desire ahead of the first of its summer shows, and everyone in the hall is standing to attention and belting out their part.

Meeting on Mondays in Chorlton and on Tuesdays in Withington, the two-site female choir was Sarah’s idea back in 2015 after the break-up of a band that the musician was in. The South Manchester locations are separate to allow for more attendees to make either day, but when it comes to events and concerts, they come together in one seamless women’s choir.

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Many of us sing in school or even in church when we were young, and then let it slide. Perhaps you got self-conscious, or you didn’t make practice - or maybe you just fell out of love with singing.

Choirs Manchester has no audition process for new members, and you don’t have to sign up for a month, or term. You just book online, turn up and sing, meaning it's low pressure even for new members.

Sarah, who runs a musical theatre club and a singing club with children as well as choir sessions for corporate teams, says nothing beats the power: “It’s singing to feel better. The feel-good