The Bolton branch of UK-wide community choir group Sing out Strong are advertising a free first session for newcomers to the group.

The group meets on Wednesday evenings during term time from 7pm until 8.30pm at The Hub in Westhoughton.

Describing themselves as totally inclusive, or ‘singclusive’, the group welcomes newcomers.

There are no auditions, no experience or music-reading skill is needed, and no registration is required.

It’s £6 per session following the free first session, billed half-termly. The group cover genres including gospel, rock and pop, folk and world music.

Sing out Strong was set up in 2019 by founder Emma Rowland, beginning life as a small family or choirs for mental health and wellbeing around Herefordshire and the Welsh border.

They were one of the first choirs to make the switch to online rehearsals during the Covid-19 pandemic.

They realised that there would be thousands of singers around the world missing the support and friendship of their regular choirs, launching the SOS Virtual Choir.

They highlight the benefits in wellbeing that singing provides, saying that music has the power to boost mood and forge connections.

If you’d like to contact Sing out Strong, you can call them at 01989 430130 or email them at hello@singoutstrong.co.uk.