On one of the hottest days of an exceptionally sunny summer, Cadence Collective hosted The Big Beach Sing at SOBO Beach, bringing together three fantastic local choirs for an afternoon of music, friendship and fundraising for Julia’s House Children’s Hospice.
Joining us were Funky Little Choir and The Chicken Soup Choir, each bringing their own distinctive sound, energy and personality to this wonderful celebration of local musical talent.
Three choirs, one beautiful setting
With the beach packed full of sunseekers and the English Channel glittering in the August sunshine, the setting was nothing short of spectacular.
We kicked things off with a surprise, flash mob-style performance of Afternoon Delight, with members of Funky Little Choir joining Cadence to get the afternoon off to a wonderfully playful start.
Performing from the decking overlooking the sea, we had perhaps one of the most unusual audiences we’ve ever encountered. Alongside the crowds gathered to listen, we spotted people dancing in the water, enthusiastically copying our choreography!
Despite the challenging heat, all three choirs rose to the occasion, delivering performances full of energy and enthusiasm.
We were delighted to welcome Funky Little Choir, led by Sandie Elkins, and The Chicken Soup Choir, led by Julie Staines and Esther Keappock. Both groups are considerably larger than Cadence, and the sheer power of their voices ringing out across the beach was incredible.
What made the afternoon particularly special was the genuine camaraderie between the choirs. Everyone supported and celebrated one another, creating an atmosphere of friendship rather than competition.
A fitting finale
As the afternoon drew to a close, members of all three choirs came together for a moving rendition of Hallelujah, the charity single Cadence recorded and released in support of Julia’s House.
Having all performed the song independently before, there was something particularly poignant about finally singing it together. Hearing so many voices united in a piece that has become so close to our hearts was an unforgettable moment, and a fitting conclusion to a day built around collaboration and community.
Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of the public, we raised several hundred pounds for Julia’s House, helping support their vital work caring for seriously ill children and their families.
Our heartfelt thanks go to Funky Little Choir and The Chicken Soup Choir for embracing our invitation so enthusiastically, to the wonderful team at SOBO Beach for making us so welcome, and to everyone who stopped to listen, dance, applaud or donate.
Looking back, it’s the little moments that will stay with us. The sunshine, the laughter, the sea full of dancers, and the sound of so many voices coming together for a shared purpose.
Three choirs. One community. One wonderful cause.
And a perfect reminder that music is always better when it’s shared.
