‘Freedom’ choir, from Active Care Solutions (ACS), has won a national singing competition for foster children and their foster families at The Globe Theatre in Blackpool.

In its sixth year, the annual competition, named the Big Sing Off, was organised by the Core Assets Group.

A team of foster children from Foster Care Associates North West region proposed holding the event in the iconic town of Blackpool and coined this year’s theme, ‘hopes and dreams’, impressing a panel of judges and securing their role as event hosts.

A total of 14 choirs from across the Core Assets group took part in the competition, including FCA, Fostering People and Active Care Solutions. Each choir selected a song which they felt reflected the chosen theme, and performed to a crowd of over 550 people.

For the first time in the Big Sing Off’s history, the children were tasked to work alongside the staff in collating the votes and judging the competition.

Mark Costello, UK CEO of Core Assets Group, commented: “The Big Sing Off is one of the largest events, and highlights, of our year. It’s a great opportunity to bring together our staff, foster carers, their families, looked after children and young people through the power of music and song.

“The effort given from everybody involved was truly tremendous, and I pass on my congratulations to the deserving winners, ACS. All the choirs involved would have been worthy winners and each encapsulated our event catchphrase – dream it, live it, sing it!”