Local choir wins big at UK festival

Friday 06 March 2020

A local choir is celebrating success at a national choral festival, having returned home with two first place titles.

The Accidentals went up against some of the UK's leading choirs at the Mrs Sunderland Festival of Music, Speech & Drama, but still managed to come top of the class in the Adult Choir and Small Choir groups.

Each song the choir performed attained either 'Distinction' or 'Outstanding' categorisation.

The groups then went on to win second place in the Programme Class, alongside the Peterborough Male Voice choir, and third place in the Choir Prizewinners' Challenge.

The Accidentals were invited to perform in the 'Last Night of the Festival' concert, featuring some of the best talent from across the event.

Pictured: Lydia and Marilyn Pugh of The Accidentals with Festival Adjudicator, Donal McCrisken.

"I was absolutely delighted with the choir's performance," said the choir's Musical Director, Marilyn Pugh. "This is the first time The Accidentals have competed in an off-island competition and gave the choir valuable experience competing against top quality groups from around the UK.

"The team worked incredibly hard to ensure they could perform at their very best and I am so proud of them all.

"We will now start fundraising and seeking potential sponsors to enable us to participate in future similar competitions."

Guernsey people will have the chance to see The Accidentals in action at St Saviour's Church on 10 June, when they will mark the opening of the church's Flower Festival.

Pictured top: The Accidentals performing at the festival.