Big Friendly Choir

Despite the name, Big Friendly Choir is a small community choir. We began as a "singing for health" group, later becoming an independent voluntary group. Our music-making is energetic and enthusiastic. We sing a variety of types of music including popular music and traditional folk songs from around the world.

There are no auditions for the Big Friendly Choir, and no need to enrol in advance. New members are always made welcome. Some members can read music whilst others cannot - it doesn't matter, because the choir leader chooses music to suit the abilities of our members. Just turn up and see if it's for you.

In the past few years we have sung in St George’s, in collaboration with Gert Lush Choir and Horfield Primary School; at Treefest in St Mary Redcliffe church; and at the Southbank Club.

Our choir leader is Dan Pate. He took over from Mark Lawrence in September 2023 when Mark retired, having been with the choir since the start.

We meet almost every Thursday morning at 9:45 for 10:00, until 11:00 with many of the group staying for tea & coffee afterwards. Dan currently only is able to lead us fortnightly; but on the other week we still meet and sing songs from Dan and from Mark, lead more informally by one of our group.

Our meeting space is in the back room of the Southbank Club, Dean Lane, Southville, BS3 1DB. It is easily accessible on the ground floor. We ask for a contribution of £6.50 or £3 weekly, if you are able, depending on whether Dan is leading or not.

Please contact our chair, Carol Rowe, (carolarowe29@gmail.com) for any further information.