Suffolk choir Pop Chorus wins national prize
Suffolk choir Pop Chorus has won £20,000 in a national competition after seeing off five other finalists with more than 3,000 public votes.
Why it matters: The win comes as Pop Chorus prepares to celebrate its 15th anniversary, with the prize money set to fund a concert tour of Suffolk, a new podcast project spotlighting members, and an expansion of its singing sessions in care settings.
The details: The competition, run by travel insurer Staysure as part of its Dream Big campaign, invited choirs to reimagine the 'tongue-in-cheek' soundtrack from the brand's advertising campaign, "Where the Sun Don't Shine". The campaign challenges stereotypes around ageing and celebrates the energy and ambition of older people.
Pop Chorus was named one of six national finalists before the public vote decided the winner. Close Shave Chorus and The B&L Collective Choir were runners-up.
What they're saying: Choir director Yula Andrews, from Framlingham, said: "We are stunned and over the moon to have won £20,000 in the Staysure #DreamBig choir competition, having gained over 3,000 votes from the public.
"Our singers enthusiastically embraced the song's message, which challenges misconceptions about getting older. This really resonated with us – I think Pop Chorus members are all determined to grow old disgracefully!
"Hundreds of singers took part in the nationwide competition, and the other finalists were fabulous. It just goes to show that community singing is thriving in the UK, and today's over 50s are living their best lives."
A Staysure spokesperson said: "As a brand, we champion the idea that there should be no limitations placed on people as they age. We have been overwhelmed by the quality of entries from across the country. As well as the joy and camaraderie that being part of a choir brings, we also recognise the many wellbeing benefits that singing can offer."
The bigger picture: Founded in Suffolk in 2012 with eight singers, Pop Chorus has grown to more than 400 members across eight groups. The choir regularly works with local charities and was recently highly commended in the BBC Make A Difference Awards.
The bottom line: A national win caps a standout year for Pop Chorus, with the prize money set to fund celebrations, new projects and wider community outreach across Suffolk.
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