Blackburn Cathedral hosts 'Big Spring Sing' celebration

The Church of England in Lancashire (Blackburn Diocese) was chosen along with one other diocese to be pilots for a planned bigger national event in years to come.

Eight County schools were then picked to attend the cathedral by the Diocesan Board of Education and pupils spent several weeks practising three songs which had been specially written by Fischy Music, a Scottish music charity.

Talitha, a pupil from New Longton All Saints introduced the songs, and said: "As a symbol of being united in speaking out against the injustice in our world and the need for us all to work together to make the change that is so desperately needed happen, we are going to sing these songs together in groups for the first time.”

The Mayor of Blackburn, Cllr Parwaiz Akhtar and Alison Brown, Christian Aid’s School’s Programme Officer were also in attendance. 

Alison said: “I want to say a massive thank you to the Board of Education for all that you did to make the Big Spring Sing happen. You should rightly feel very proud with how it all came together. It makes it more possible for other dioceses to follow in your footsteps.”

Children from Cliviger St John's choir sing and pupils from from Chorley St James' choir.

Director of Education, Iain Parks said: “It means that we all have a fair chance, and you, our young people, can make that happen. Believe in yourselves, trust in yourselves and act.”

Pupils from the following schools attended: Tockholes St Stephens, The Redeemer, Blackburn; Blackburn St Lukes and St Philip's, Chorley St James, Cliviger St Johns,  Darwen Holy Trinity, New Longton All Saints and Appley Bridge.

Deputy Director and Director of the Board of Education, Sally Schofield and Iain Parks; Alison Brown, Christian Aid’s School’s Programme Officer and The Mayor of Blackburn, Councillor Parwaiz Akhtar, enjoy the singing

Headteacher at St Luke and St Philip's CE Primary Academy, Samantha O'Connell said: “What a great night and a fantastic cause. It was especially good to see all our parents there, watching their children. We were so proud!”

Rosie Barnes, head at The Redeemer CE, Blackburn said: “It was great to see so many people there to support all the children, who were amazing. Lovely to see children from all different schools coming together to sing and present for Christian Aid. We were all so proud of them. Looking forward to the next one!”