COMMUNITY choirs made a successful comeback with their festival in Heybridge - and raised more than £2000 for their charity.

Big Sing held their first ever outdoor festival on Sunday, August 1.

More than 780 people at the festival attended, with exhibitors and visitors.

Organisers thanked Heybridge Swift’s for hosting the event, and everyone who came and supported the return of the singing sensations.

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Crowds at the event were wowed with entertainment from Little Stars Circus who choreographed a dance routine to a specially designed treble clef, and the Big Sing community choir who sang their hearts out with uplifting songs.

Big Sing director Gemma Francis said: “What an amazing day.We’ve been dreaming of this event and planning our day of freedom all through lockdown.

"Finally we got to sing and be together. The Big Sing family back as one.

"It’s been overwhelming but we are so happy to be back and the event has been just what we had imagined - a great day out for all the family.”

Tiny Sing sessions were ran at the festival, which are popular for babies and toddlers to sing along with instruments.

Joined by students from Epic Dance and athletes from Power Cheer, spectators enjoyed their challenging routines.

Children at the event enjoyed a range of activities, such as pony rides from Elmwood Equestrian Centre, bouncy castles from Ellis Amusements, a balloon making expert, a stiltwalker, and Princess Elsa.

Caricatures of festival-goers were done by Hen the Pen.

Tipsy Grey Bar provided drinks, and Pete’s Ices and The Hill family kept the BBQ and Tea Hut going all day.

More than 22 stall holders shared their crafts, homemade gifts and treats, and the Big Sing Choir members managed 10 stalls with cakes, tombola, and sideshow games.

There was something to keep all the family entertained.

They also had volunteers and donations from supermarkets, such as Morrison’s in Witham and Maldon, and Maldon's Tesco.

Manager of Big Sing and choir member, Bernie Dawson said: "It was so wonderful to be with our choir family and hear the powerful sound we make when we sing as one together, very moving"

Charity manager, Sandra Cole added: "It was amazing to unite so many people from the community after being restricted for so long and to lift each other’s spirits and have some fun whilst raising a staggering £2600 for our charity to take music to vulnerable children, adults, groups for those with disabilities, hospitals, care homes and much more.”

To find out how you can support or benefit from the Big Sing Soul charity, or to try a free session at one of their rehearsals, visit www.big-sing.com.