Choirs groups from across Burnley and Pendle turned out in force to sing out to celebrate Pendleside Hospice’s 30th anniversary.

Singing groups from seven schools, joined forces with Pendleside Hospice Choir, made up of patients, volunteers and staff, for Pendleside Hospice’s ‘30 Years of Caring’ concert at Burnley Mechanics.

The hospice choir, which made their first official outing at the event, performed ‘This is me’ from The Greatest Showman and ‘Something inside so strong’ by Labi Siffre.

Nelson and Colne College Choir and representatives from The Clarets’ Community Choir also performed at the concert.

The ‘30 Years of Caring’ concert was organised by Vicky Johnson-Brown and local opera singer Sean Ruane, famous for his inspirational rendition of “Jerusalem” at several Ashes test cricket series.

The duo run CHANT Productions, a company which trains ordinary adults and children to a level where they can sing at huge sporting, cultural and local events.

The school choirs taking part were: St Joseph’s Parkhill Primary School; Rosewood Primary School; St Marys Primary School, Newchurch; Barrowford Primary School; St John’s Primary School, Cliviger; St Marys Primary School, Burnley and Shuttleworth College.

Each school took part in workshops with Chant in the months leading up to the event, and performed a variety of songs from popular music to musicals alongside Sean.

Helen McVey, chief executive of Pendleside Hospice said: “More than 300 people turned out to support Pendleside Hospice at our 30 Years of Caring concert.

"The atmosphere was incredible and it was clear to see how hard all the choirs had worked to prepare for the event. 

"Our recently formed hospice choir had their first official outing and really had the wow factor. We’d like to say a big thanks to Sean Ruane for organising the event.”

The hospice choir will be performing at The Sunflowers Memories Appeal Celebration of Life service on Saturday 2nd June. 

To dedicate a sunflower plaque or for further information visit the hospice website at www.pendleside.org.uk or telephone the fundraising department on 01282 440120.