Social Events and Special Performances

One of the many benefits of joining a choir are the social events and the Edwin James Festival Choir are excellent ambassadors in organising an eclectic mix!

We pride ourselves in not only taking care of our members, but make sure they have a good time on and off the performance stage as can be seen below in our Social Events report.

Events over the last 12 months

CHOIR CHRISTMAS PARTY - December 2019

The choir took time to relax and enjoy a Christmas Cabaret party with a drink or two to celebrate Yuletide!

Members of the choir performed a 2 hour variety cabaret show on stage at St James Hall, watched by an invited audence of choir and orchestra members, patrons and all partners. They enjoyed songs from Andrew Lloyds Webber, poems, and a set from the band "Borderline" who had everyone up and dancing, to name just a few performers.

Thanks goes to all the performers, James, Chris, Noelle and Stuart for organising the raffle and the tombola.

POP UP SHOPS - November 2019

The choir held two massive sales of their Theatrical Props/Costumes and bric-a-brac etc which was attended by many local amateur dramatic societies and the general public.

All funds raised have been allocated to the Choir music fund, allowing us to purchase music for quality shows, in turn raising money for our charities.

Many thanks to everyone who spent several days preparing the events, to those who helped on the day and of course, to the lovely people who came and spent their pennies.

PATRONS FILM NIGHT - October 2019

Patrons and their partners were invited to a film night to thank them for their patronage over the last year.

They enjoyed pre-film drinks and canapes before joining in a sing-a-long to The Greatest Showman.

Thanks to Chris and James for hosting the event.

SHUFFLEBOARD - October 2019

The choir joined forces with Littlehampton Twinning to organise a sold out evening playing Shuffleboard, which also included a Ploughman's supper.

This was a joint fundraising event with Littlehampton Twinning Association.

Thanks to all who attended and everyone who helped organise the event

LITTLEHAMPTON TOWN HORTICULTURAL AND CRAFT SHOW - September 2019

The choir set up a stall at the Show, displaying choir information and details of our next performance plus great bargains to purchase. The day also included excellent family entertainment, superb performances on the stage, other high quality stalls and the annual produce and craft competitions.

Many thanks to everyone helping on the stall and to the public who continue to support us. All monies raised will go towards the purchase of music.

21st BIRTHDAY PARTY - August 2019

The choir celebrated their 21st birthday at The Vardar Restaurant in Littlehampton attended by choir and orchestra members, patrons, partners and friends together with representatives from our chosen charities for the year to July 2019, being St Barnabas Hospice, Chestnut Tree House Hospice and St Wilfrid’s Hospice.

The evening began with speeches from our Chairman Noel and President James and we sang our own special choir Grace, sung to the tune of "Thank you for the Music" before a 3 course dinner was served.

After dinner, everyone was encouraged to join in singing a special tribute to members Pam and Ian who were “getting married in the morning”, Summer Holiday and Summer Nights.

There followed our Annual Award presentation to recognise and thank those who have made a special contribution to the choir during the year, as nominated and voted on by the choir, and The President's Award, decided upon by James. Categories and winners were: -

THE EDWIN JAMES AWARD (For annual achievement by any member of 3 years or more) Presented by James Rushman, Awarded to CAROLE HARRIS

THE MYRTLE ALLEN AWARD (For best newcomer over the last 2 years)

Presented by Chris Allen, Awarded to LOU SALMON

THE JANET MARTIN AWARD (For best supporting member outside of the committee)

Presented by Eric Griffiths, Awarded to KEITH MINGAY for the 2nd year running (not in attendance)

THE PRESIDENT’S AWARD (For outstanding support of the choir by a member of the choir, orchestra or supporter) Presented by James Rushman, Awarded to STUART CAPELIN

James continued by introducing the representatives from our chosen charities and presented each one with a cheque for £1000 which had been raised from the concerts during the year.

The raffle, arranged by our Chairman Noel, was called before the evening drew to a close.

LITTLEHAMPTON MARKET - July 2019

The choir set up a stall at the market to sell various goodies to raise funds for choir music.

Thank you to those who manned the stall, gave us items to sell and to the public once again for their support.

We raised £150.00!

JAMES AND CHRIS' GARDEN PARTY - June 2019

Thank you to our President and Treasurer who hosted their annual garden party for members of the choir, orchestra, patrons and friends.

Thank you for a great party !

SUMMER FAYRE - June 2019

The choir held their popular annual Summer Fayre on a beautiful sunny day in the gardens of the Littlehampton United Church, which was once again well supported.

Thank you so much to everyone who helped man a stall, helped set up, those who looked after refreshments, those who donated (and there were many of you), Chris, James and the Committee for organising it all and to our lovely public for coming along and supporting us.

We made a fabulous £1,200 which will go a long way to purchase music for future concerts. This in turn raises money for our chosen charities.

Thank you everyone.

CHOIR TRIP TO LLANDUDNO - May 2019

Members of the choir and patrons took a lovely 5 day trip to Llanduno.

LITTLEHAMPTON CHARITY STREET FAYRE - May 2019

The choir set up a stall at the fayre to sell various goodies to raise funds for choir music.

Thank you to those who manned the stall, gave us items to sell and to the public once again for their support.

CURTAIN UP - THE SEQUEL! - March 2019

The choir performed at the Mayor of Littlehampton's CharIty Gala Performance "Curtain Up - The Sequel!" on 9th March 2019.

Both performances were almost sold out and we had a great time performing 6 musical theatre songs, helping to raise funds for Arun Youth Projects and Littlehampton Art and Social Club Bursary Fund.

COFFEE MORNING FOR RED NOSE DAY - March 2019

Hosted by Derek and Janet, the coffee morning was well supported and raised £150.

Thanks to everyone involved and everyone who came!

LITTLEHAMPTON CHARITY PANCAKE OLYMPICS - March 2019

This event, organised by Littlehampton Town Council, was well supported with 14 teams taking part in this fun event to raise money for their chosen charities.

The silver winner scoop up a cheque for £75 courtesy of *OURSELVES* Edwin James Festival Choir & Orchestra.

More details to come.

LITTLEHAMPTON CIVIC SERVICE - February 2019

The choir helped to lead the singing at the Mayor's annual service to celebrate all the groups, organisations and individuals that make Littlehampton special.

It was an honour to be part of it!

THE POWER OF LOVE - January 2019

Members of the choir took part in a sell-out charity concert to raise funds and awareness for Alzheimer's charity, organised by choir member Lorna Haynes.

The concert was dedicated to Lorna's husband Colin, who is suffering with the condtion. For her 50th birthday, Colin had given Lorna a recording session, where she recorded the Jenifer Rush song, which she sang to open the show.

Interspersed with other singers from the community, the cast sang a full programme of songs from the Musicals as well as an operatic section, accompanied by Lorna and James Rushman on keyboards.

There were so many highlights during this wonderful evening, including a real life marriage proposal by Ian to Pam, but a special mention must be made for the fabulous Daniella Dream aka The Mayor of Littlehampton.

Congratulations to everyone involved for a great evening, raising over £1700 for the charity.

Click the link below for the write up in the Littlehampton Gazette and to watch the proposal! Littlehampton Gazette - proposal