After two successful ‘come-and-try’ sessions in December, this month sees the launch of a brand new lunch-hour community choir for city centre workers and regular visitors to Bristol’s Broadmead.

Organised and hosted by the New Room – also known locally as John Wesley’s chapel – the New Room Community Choir will meet from 12.15–1pm every Wednesday and will sing songs in a wide range of musical styles including pop, folk, rock, jazz, blues and gospel.

The New Room recently benefitted from a multi-million pound Heritage Lottery-funded redevelopment – completed in mid-2017 – and is now offering a variety of new community activities, many with the focus on wellbeing.

Louise Wratten, community engagement officer for the New Room, said: “Making music with others has such an amazing uplifting effect, and even if people have no musical background they may discover that singing can make you feel wonderful.

“Many of those who came to our taster sessions have said they plan to attend on a regular basis now, but we’re still looking for more members. No singing experience or musical skills are required, just a willingness to give it a go.”

The choir leaders will be Rose Kroner and Judit Soler Almendros, two professional musicians and experienced singers who have previously worked together with the UWE Bristol ReVoice Choir, a musical therapy choir.

Membership is free of charge and no auditions are required. There is no need to book in advance either: people are welcome just to turn up and experience the special ‘feel good’ factor of singing with a choir.

Louise Wratten said: “Because the songs we’re planning to sing are so wide-ranging there should be something to appeal to most people, and future choices can be influenced by the members once we’re up and running properly.

“The famously good acoustics of the New Room really enhance the effects of choir singing, so we’re all really looking forward to this exciting new project.”

The first session takes place on 10 January and will run every Wednesday in term time. Further details are available from Louise Wratten on 0117 9264740, email community@newroombristol.org.uk or see www.newroombristol.org.uk