The choir was joined by soprano Emily Prosser, harpist Bronwen Wilkins, and primary schoolchildren Abbie Hinksman and Louis Ansfield. The audience was treated to joyous renditions of songs including an emotional performance of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah.

Audience member Stephanie Hinksman said, ‘It was heartwarming seeing volunteers and staff come together in song.’ Stephanie’s daughter Abbie, who sang with the choir, said, ‘We have been rehearsing a lot. It was nerve-wracking standing in front of the packed audience, but hearing the applause made me feel like we had all done a great job.’

St Michael’s Hospice Head of Retail Nicola Wood has been singing with the choir since it first came together 18 months ago, ‘We try and practice every two weeks. It’s an opportunity for socialising with people who are connected to the Hospice, volunteers, husbands and wives all mixing. I think all our practice has paid off becuse I have had so many people telling me how well it sounded and how much they enjoyed the music.’

One of the highlights of the event was the performance of the brand-new St Michael’s Hospice Fundraising Anthem, written by Choir Leader and Fundraising Administrator Denise Bishop. ‘The Anthem is a little jingle that we can take anywhere, to any event, and encourage people to give to their Hospice. It’s very light-hearted and is all about showing people just how much fun fundraising can be.’

The Musical Big Tea also hopes to raise £800 from donations and the sale of tea and delicious cake before and after the performance.

If you would like to find out more about The St Michael’s Community Choir, contact Denise Bishop on 01432 851000.