ANDOVER Ladies’ Choir is taking part in a festival of song at the Tower of London this weekend.

Sixteen choirs from across the country are performing at the stunning capital city venue as part of Project Get Singing’s ‘Choirs at the Tower’ festival.

As previously reported by the Advertiser, it’s been a tough eighteen months for the choir, which has been running for four years, due to the restrictions .

“We have done it all,” said the group’s musical director, Clare Oliver.

“We have been on Zoom. In September last year we were back in person with specially designed masks. Then we were in a car park for 9 weeks, and I think we have had three rehearsals inside now.”

Due to restrictions on numbers, a smaller group of 16 singers, plus Clare and a pianist will be attending the event at the Tower of London tomorrow (Sunday, August 22).

“Having to do rehearsals outside and that being our only option has actually been really useful,” she said.

“Before this, I would have resisted completely singing outside, but now because we have that practice and experience, the girls know what to expect.”

Claire previously travelled to perform with other musical directors as part of a Project Get Singing event back in May, and it was this which led to the idea for the weekend of choirs concept.

“What a venue to have!” said Clare.

“I am just looking forward to getting the chance to have this incredible memory. There’s nothing like the adrenaline that you get, and music comes alive when you have someone to share it with”.

Each choir attending will rotate between unique performance areas, including the moat, famous for the remembrance day poppy tribute, and the most historic White Tower.

Clare added: “It’s an extraordinary opportunity to go and do our thing in the most unbelievable place - and we get to see the Crown Jewels!”

Clare said that the trip will also be a fantastic bonding experience for the ladies, adding: “We’re a family, lots of really important friendships have been formed. We have always done things together and that’s what glues us together and makes us better as performers.”

Looking ahead, Andover Ladies’ Choir will also be performing outdoors at Andover Rocks next month, as well as in a number of Christmas concerts in the local area.

Project Get Singing is urging people to go along to the Tower of London this weekend to support the venue and hear the huge array of musical groups.

For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/ProjGetSinging/