20th December 2011
For immediate release.
Glowing from the success of their sell-out Christmas show at the Brighton Dome Concert Hall, Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus has estimated that the show raised in excess of £5,000 for the Sussex Beacon. A forty-four strong chorus sung their hearts out to rapturous applause with comedian Zoe Lyons hosting the evening. Everyone’s favourite Eastender June Brown, dressed as a fairy godmother, also brought her own special magic to an enthusiastic audience.
The Lord Lieutenant of Sussex, Mr Peter Field, sent an email congratulating the Chorus, saying
“To fill the Dome is no mean achievement. The performers were stunning… there is no doubt it was the best performance yet. It is going to be difficult to top it, but I am sure everyone is up to try in 2012!”
Juley Ayres, from the Sussex Beacon, said
”What an absolutely brilliant and uplifting evening, and a packed Dome! It’s difficult to fully express how very grateful we are for the Chorus’ support, especially during such hard times.”
The month of December started in a more reflective mood with the annual World AIDS Day concert in St. Mary’s Church, compered by the dazzling Miss Hope Springs. Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus was also joined by the Rainbow Chorus, Qukulele, Resound and Red Gray for a concert that raised £340 for the Sussex Beacon, plus a bucket collection.
Fans of Strictly Come Dancing may have spotted the Chorus singing on the BBC 1 Grand Final. The filming was done at the Pavilion Ice Rink, with curious skaters crashing in to the barriers all around!
The Chorus was particularly honoured to perform for the Mayor of Brighton and Hove and other notable guests during the Mayor’s annual Christmas Reception. Hosted by Mayor Councillor Anne Meadows, and described as “a triumph for the choir” by the Vice Lord Lieutenant Sara Stonor, the event took place in the Music Room of the Royal Pavilion on Friday 16th December. The guest list at the prestigious event included a number of local VIPs and dignitaries including celebrities, past Mayors and councillors.
Mayor Meadows wrote to the Chorus shortly after the reception, commenting
“Your group has such warmth and a genuine feeling of unity, and everyone commented on those fantastic smiles and the happiness you generate.”
The Chorus was also very pleased to perform Christmas carols for the Grace Eyre Foundation that helps adults with learning disabilities and were the first act to appear at their new theatre space. In their final engagement of the year the Chorus were also to be seen singing carols to a delighted crowd at the A-Bar.
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus is a registered charity no. 1137437
More images from previous releases are available to download here:
and
Embracing the Christmas notions of giving and sharing, Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus has previously announced it will be working with the Sussex Beacon Urgent Appeal to help them raise the £150,000 needed to keep their Inpatient Unit open. All profits will be split 50:50 between these two charities. For more info on the Sussex Beacon and their £150,000 urgent appeal please visit www.sussexbeacon.org.uk
ENDS