A famous community choir will be take to the stage to support Parkinson’s sufferers in Harrogate this November. 

For the third time, Rock Up and Sing! will be performing a concert at the Royal Hall to raise funds for the Harrogate branch of Parkinson’s UK.

The choir members have raised money for the branch with concerts in the past, and are looking forward to another sell-out performance on Sunday 22nd November.

With rock and pop songs from across the decades, Rock Up and Sing’s Wednesday evening and Special Events choirs will be conducted by Assistant Musical Director Andrew Matthews, and accompanied by Katie Bell on piano and Cherry Bratkowski on percussion.

Musical Director Rhiannon Gayle has also been supporting Parkinson’s sufferers in the area with a singing programme which helps to alleviate their symptoms.

She said: “We have seen through the project with Parkinson’s sufferers that music and singing really can make a difference to people’s health.

“It improves aspects of their condition like speech, which is often one of the things people struggle with, as well as boosting their mood. It has been a real pleasure to run singing sessions for people with Parkinson’s and to see the way it has helped them.

“Our choir members are now going to do their bit by giving a fantastic, uplifting concert at the Royal Hall to share the love of music with even more people – and to raise vital funds for the Harrogate branch of Parkinson’s UK.”

Renee Dickinson, chair of the Harrogate branch of Parkinson’s UK, said: “This fundraising concert is really important to local people living with Parkinson’s. All of the money stays within the local community and is used to help them access the support they need.

“We are expecting a large number of VIPs to join us and help contribute to the fundraising. Proceeds from the tickets will be combined with a raffle on the night to boost the fundraising, and we are delighted to have the support of CNG, William H Brown, Stray FM and 10 Devonshire Place to ensure we can make the most of the money we raise on the night.

“Rock Up and Sing!’s concerts are always a joyful experience and we can’t wait for another successful night at the Royal Hall.”

To find out more about Rock Up and Sing! visit www.rockupandsing.com. Tickets are available from the Harrogate Theatre Box Office or www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk, priced at £15, or £51 for a box for three including drinks.