Choirs composed of children, foster parents and staff from around the country came together to take part in a singing competition, as well as raising money for charity.
Hosted by FCA Midlands, the Big Sing Off took place on October 7th at the Coventry Building Society Arena, bringing together the community to celebrate culture and diversity through music and fun-filled activities.
The event’s theme, ‘Around The World’, was chosen by children and young people in foster care in the region, and the logo for the competition was co-created by the winners of a children’s art contest, capturing the spirit of the vibrant event.
FCA Midlands’s Registered Manager and choir member, Kate Taylor, said: ‘We were thrilled to be the hosts of the Big Sing Off this year. Seeing our children and young people performing in their choirs is always a highlight. It was a wonderful day where everyone came together to celebrate culture and diversity through song and enjoy all the great entertainment and activities on offer.’
Not only was the event partially organised by local youngsters, four young individuals had the honour of co-hosting the event alongside Managing Director John Platt and FCA Operations Directors, Mark Cartridge and Neil Morris.
John Platt, FCA Managing Director, said: ‘Seeing everyone enjoying themselves and being part of a family team makes this one of my favourite days of the whole year. It’s spectacular!”
As well as celebrating the fostering community, the event helped the Midlands Youth Council to raise more than £350 for a bleed kit – a specialist trauma kit to help bystanders of an injury stop life-threatening bleeding – in memory of a young person who had tragically lost their life to knife crime. The kit, bought via the Daniel Baird Foundation, will be placed in a prominent place in the Coventry city centre and could be vital to saving lives.
Throughout the day attendees enjoyed a diverse range of activities, including face painting, magicians and balloon artists, henna artists, and a 360-degree photo booth. The event also featured a guest performance by Devon-based UK Taiko Drummers, whose energy and rhythmic beats captivated the audience.
A talented 12-year-old young person also from the Midlands delivered a moving performance of Rihanna’s hit song, ‘Diamonds’.
Ten choirs competed in the competition, all selecting songs that embodied the theme and performing to an enthusiastic crowd of over 400 people, consisting of children, young people, and foster parents. The musical repertoire included songs from ‘The Greatest Showman,’ ‘Status Quo,’ and ‘Glee’.
In the end, it was FCA South East’s ‘South East Diversity’ that was crowned the overall winner of this year’s ‘Big Sing Off,’ with FCA Northern Ireland’s ‘Emerald Melodies’ taking second place and FCA Cymru’s ‘Cymru yn rockio am byth’ taking third place.
FCA South East Registered Manager and choir member Caroline Ellis from South East Diversity said: ‘We all had such a fab time and everyone who performed on the day was incredible. I am so proud we brought home a trophy! The children were on such a high the whole way home. Such special memories made.’
