THE thinking behind the Blackburn People's Choir is simple.

"We're not prima donnas," says Blackburn with Darwen's principle arts officer and choir member Rob Howell.

"We're just ordinary people who work hard at making a great noise."

The choir's programme is immensely varied, encompassing African songs, gospel, jazz and well-known ditties like Spread a Little Happiness.

Rob said: "We like to throw in a few surprises. We're never 100 per cent sure what we're going to do until our leader, Jeff Borradaile, tells us on the day."

Most of the choir's songs are performed a cappella, in four part harmony.

Despite their technical skill, the choir is open to everyone and doesn't hold auditions.

Rob said: "We accept everyone can sing and we look to bring that out of them."

The choir's rehearsals are held on Thursdays at the Exchange in Blackburn and all are welcome to attend.

Meanwhile, you can see them perform at Arts in the Park on the main stage at 1pm on Saturday and 7pm on Sunday.

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