MP praises community spirit in Wrexham as choirs come together for charity

Wrexham’s MP paid a special visit to a celebration of song at Tŷ Pawb.

Ian Lucas attended the annual Wrexham One World Community Choir summer concert last week.

The show – which raised almost £400 for charity – also featured performances by soprano soloist Rebecca Roberts and the Wrexham One Love Choir, which Mr Lucas helped establish. The choir is for people who have experienced homelessness, addiction, mental health issues, or who are otherwise vulnerable and marginalised.

Using the therapeutic benefits of signing as a positive force, the aim is to give the choir members confidence and aid their recoveries.

Mr Lucas, who performed with the One Love choir on the night, said: “It was a wonderful occasion – exactly the kind of event Tŷ Pawb was designed for.

“I thoroughly enjoyed all of the performances and was particularly proud to sing with the Wrexham One Love Choir, who are now becoming known across the town and the wider area for the quality and power of their singing. It was quite emotional and there was a tremendous community spirit on show throughout the entire night. I’d like to congratulate everyone involved.”

The Wrexham One Love Choir was developed by Mr Lucas following the success of the first Wrexham Singing Streets choir festival in 2016. Mr Lucas noticed how members of the town’s homeless community were keen to join in and sing with the choirs, so he decided to set up a regular outlet for their talents.

Weekly rehearsal sessions were established, taking place every Wednesday at Trinity Presbyterian Church in King Street, Wrexham. Choir members receive hot meals when they attend. The concept is based on the Choir With No Name project, a charity which runs choirs in cities such as Liverpool, London and Birmingham.

Friday’s performance was one of a run of live shows for the choir, who also sang at the recent Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

The night at Tŷ Pawb raised funds for Wrexham Foodbank and United to Assist Refugees UK.

Top pic: Conductor Carol Donaldson leads the The Wrexham One Love Choir and the Wrexham One World Community Choir in a joint performance.