Horbury Singers to celebrate 50th anniversary at Wakefield Cathedral

A longstanding choir is celebrating its 50th anniversary next weekend.
The choir will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a special event at Wakefield Cathedral next weekend.The choir will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a special event at Wakefield Cathedral next weekend.
The choir will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a special event at Wakefield Cathedral next weekend.

Formed in 1972, Horbury Singers is a choir that boasts over fifty dedicated members.

The choir offers a varied concert programme throughout the year, singing in churches, chapels and concert halls across the district and the north of England.

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To celebrate its golden anniversary, the choir has a full and exciting programme of concerts and competitions planned, including competitive festivals at Rothwell and Whitby, where they won the recital class trophy in 2019 and were successful again this year, bringing home home the trophies for the recital class, the ladies class and a special trophy for best programme.

Edward Whelan with two of the trophies the choir won in a competition in Whitby this year.Edward Whelan with two of the trophies the choir won in a competition in Whitby this year.
Edward Whelan with two of the trophies the choir won in a competition in Whitby this year.

On Saturday, July 9 the choir will perform a selection of songs at Wakefield Cathedral with extra special guests.

Secretary of Horbury Singers, Karen Wiper, said: “As part of our 50th year we are very excited to perform at Wakefield Cathedral on July 9 to highlight our golden celebrations.

“We will be singing a selection of songs we love to sing, many of which have brought us trophies.

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“The celebratory concert will also include The Shiremen who are an octet from male voice choirs along with other special guests.”

A unique feature of the choir is its memory books.

There are 11 to date which started in 1972 and feature photographs and details of all its events and are accompanied by a poem by the choir’s resident poet, Pauline Binns, who has been part of the choir from the beginning.

Karen added: “Reading these brings it all back and makes us realise why we love being part of Horbury Singers.

“Along with 50 members of the choir we have our fantastic musical director, Edward Whelan who joined us in 2016 and has strived to make us the choir we are today.

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“Alongside Edward we have our brilliant accompanist Alan Franks who has been with the Choir since 2009 and not forgetting the exceptional deputy musical director and accompanist Ruth Strydom who steps in when either Edward or Alan are away.”

The women’s choir are always happy to welcome new faces, who can be assured of a warm and caring reception.

An ability to read music is not a criteria for joining: simply a love of music and an

enthusiasm to sing are the most important factors, so if you fit the bill please get in touch.

For further details on joining us or making a booking please contact Karen Wiper at

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