THE director of the only ‘Popchoir’ outside of London is hoping the group will continue to grow so members can perform at a wider range of events across Cornwall.

Launceston Popchoir director Sarah Bradley moved down to Launceston three years ago from South London. She had been singing with the Popchoir in Dulwich for five or six years.

She said: “When I moved I missed it and thought what can I do? I looked to see if there was anything similar, and thought I’ll do my own here.”

Launceston Popchoir has been going for almost two and a half years, and Sarah said the choir currently has ‘good solid numbers’.

Locally they perform at such events as the town’s Christmas lights switch-on and late night shopping evenings, and will be performing at Launceston’s Carnival on October 8. Sarah added: “They are really nice nights. Everyone enjoys those.”

Every year Launceston Popchoir tries to get up to London to sing with the other Popchoirs.

Sarah trained in stage school, at Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts. She said: “I played instruments from a young age. It was quite a thing for me to take on being Popchoir director, but I get more out of being a director. I thought I would miss performing.”

The choir had its first meet after a summer break a couple of weeks ago. More members are always welcome, and new people to the choir are able to go along for a free trial session to see if they enjoy it.

She said a bigger membership would allow the choir to go further afield and do more performances: “The more members we get the more events we will get asked to do as well. There’s so much in Cornwall we could go and do.”

One of their most recent performances was at Beaumont Court fun day, North Petherwin. Sarah said: “It’s nice for people in the choir to do those things, it makes them feel part of the community.”

She revealed her ‘mission’ is for the choir to eventually sing at Hall for Cornwall, however, there is no pressure on members to perform at the events.

Sarah said: “There’s no pressure but actually you might find you want to perform.”

Sarah added: “We do need more men. We have got one man, and he’s brilliant. He’s not phased by it. It’s kind of a big thing I think for men to come out and have a go. Everyone is welcome to come to a free trial session to check us out.”

Sarah said the Popchoir has a membership with a range of abilities, but singing talent is not necessary to go along and join in the fun, and you don’t have to be able to read music:

“It’s more about people coming together and singing, it’s a fun thing. They’ve done studies and it’s been proven singing releases good happy hormones. We have fun and a giggle,” she said.

“It’s a nice community now and we do social nights together. People are making long-term friendships as well, which is really nice.

“It helps with people’s self confidence and being more assertive and confident. I have had two of my members speak to me and say ‘Popchoir changed my life’ — for those people it did and made them more confident.

“Just singing for a couple of hours every week has helped them in that way and that’s what it’s all about. Ultimately it’s about having fun and enjoying it and if we can spread the love that’s great, isn’t it?”

Launceston Popchoir meets on Tuesday evenings from 7.30pm at the Town Hall, and sessions usually last between one and a half and two hours.