Meet the choir offering musical support to anyone with a cancer diagnosis

A Bolton-based choir group is offering friendship and support through music for anyone who has ever received a cancer diagnosis.

Bolton Cancer Voices is made up exclusively of people who have had a diagnosis of any kind, recently or at any point in the past.

The Choir has no geographical boundaries when it comes to membership; you just need to be able to get to the centre of Bolton for rehearsals, which are on Monday evenings, 7.30pm – 9pm. Membership is free, there are no auditions to worry about, and you don’t need to be able to read music.

Offering friendship, fun, learning and great choral experiences, the group say the choir offers a different and relaxed way to connect with others who understand life with and beyond cancer.

Anyone interested in getting involved is invited to attend a forthcoming ‘Sing With Us’ event, so they can experience the joy of singing in a Choir and get a flavour of what it’s like to be part of their vibrant choral community. The event takes place on Mon 8 Sep, 7.15pm – 9pm in central Bolton, and is open to people aged 18 and over who have, at some point in their life, recently or in the past, received a diagnosis of cancer.

Karen Elliott, Chair of Bolton Cancer Voices, says: “We routinely accept new members throughout the year but we thought we’d hold this ‘Sing With Us’ event as it’s been a number of years since we’ve done such and the timing is perfect, as we’re just embarking on learning our festive programme in preparation for our ‘Christmas With Friends’ concert in Bolton Parish Church on Saturday 6 th December, when our special guests will be the CC Concert Band.

“Singing is such an energising, sociable and fun thing to do: add this to the potential benefits on health and wellbeing and it’s a win-win situation. Our Musical Director makes learning easy for all and helps everyone find their voice.”

The group are always on the lookout for new members. To enquire about joining Bolton Cancer Voices, contact Karen on 01204 595562 / 07773 164235.