Worcestershire choir's concert raises thousands for charity

Voices Unlimited performed in front of a sell-out audience at the Number 8 Arts Centre in Pershore.

It was the only full-length performance by the group, also known as The Mighty VU, this year.

Voices Unlimited's charity concert in Pershore (Image: Voices Unlimited) Voices Unlimited's charity concert in Pershore (Image: Voices Unlimited) The first half of the concert featured songs from the Americana repertoire, including an Eagles medley, Meatloaf's 'Two Out of Three Ain't Bad,' and Paul Simon's 'Sound of Silence'.

The second half, themed on 1970s British songs, included medleys of David Bowie and Elton John tracks.

The concert concluded with a rendition of Queen's 'Bohemian Rhapsody,' and after a standing ovation, the choir encored with 'Superstar' from the musical Jesus Christ Superstar.

Photos, videos, and films linked to the songs being performed, put together by VU member Becky Marsden, were projected to provide a backdrop.

The concert raised £2,000 for the Pershore Riverside Centre, a charity that provides activity programmes for young people and helps those with problems including abuse and neglect.

David Greer, secretary of the trustees and a member of Voices Unlimited, said: "It costs about £150,000 a year to run the Pershore Riverside Centre and to pay our professional youth workers.

Voices Unlimited's charity concert in Pershore (Image: Voices Unlimited) "The event has raised about £2,000 in much-needed funds enabling us to continue our vital work."

Ria Keen, the musical director of VU, said: "We are delighted that the concert was such a success and that we have been able to support the work of such an important and much-needed local charity."

Voices Unlimited will be performing at a number of upcoming events, festivals, and fairs in the run-up to Christmas.

These include the Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre on Saturday, November 30, at 1pm and 6pm, and the Church at Croome Park on Saturday, December 14, at 2pm and 4pm.

Voices Unlimited is Worcestershire's biggest independent adult contemporary vocal group.

With 125 members, they have been entertaining audiences since 2008.

The group rehearses on Tuesday evenings at Ombersley Memorial Village Hall, and performs arrangements written by professional musical director Ria Keen.