Men United score with audience at new choir's first concert in Louth
Tumultuous applause greeted the first concert by a new choir, formed after a singing campaign in Louth.
The Men United In Song campaign was the brainchild of Louth Male Voice Choir, which aimed to encourage local men to take up singing.
More than 20 volunteers took part in intensive training sessions, spanning three months, which led to a special concert at Louth Town Hall.
And a packed audience thoroughly enjoyed what they saw and heard as the Men United In Song choir performed a range of songs.
They were also joined by members of Louth Male Voice Choir for some rousing numbers, such as ‘The Lion Sleeps Tonight’ (complete with animal noises) and ‘Sweet Caroline’.
The concert at the Eastgate venue was free to attend. But donations were welcomed because all proceeds from the event were shared between two men-inspired charities, Prostate Cancer UK and Help For Heroes, which supports veterans of the Armed Forces.
No previous experience was necessary to join the Men United group, which has been given plenty of support from professional musicians and recorded learning aids.
Steve Rack, one of the men who joined at the start of the project in September, said: “The experience of singing has been fantastic.
"Without doubt, I feel I have improved 100 per cent, although I still have a long way to go! The grandkids love one particular song, ‘Count On Me’, and sing along with me when I have it on in the car.”
Graham Burrell, who this year celebrates 40 years as musical director of Louth Male Voice Choir, said: “It has been wonderful seeing the improved self-esteem and confidence the Men United singers have gained.
"They arrived in September, saying: ‘I can’t sing’. But now they have performed six songs on their own on the Louth Town Hall stage and have also joined our choir for four combined songs.”