Festival choirs in harmony

RAISING their voices . . . some of the choir members rehearsing the song

Oldham choirs have been busy rehearsing a musical masterpiece for Oldham Festival of Diversity.

The choirs of Oldham International, Lazarus and St Chad’s Primary School alongside Oldham Music Centre’s Youth Choir and pop singing groups will perform the song Ubuntu meaning “I am because we are” at three festival events.

Written and composed by local musicians, John Rowan and Martin Ashurst, the choirs will perform at Oldham Mela on July 12, Oldham Coliseum on July 17 at 7.30pm, and Saddleworth Folk Festival on July 18.

Festival organiser, Sian Smith, said: “The song is aimed at bringing the different communities together.”

The choirs have been rehearsing at a studio set up at Oldham College.