CALNE came alive with the sound of music last weekend when 16 local choirs treated audiences to a day of free performances at the town’s big Spring Sing.

Now in its third year the organisers, in a change of proceedings, decided to invite choirs from outside of the town with groups such as Great Western Hospital Harmony from Swindon and Sing Alive from Devizes coming along for the four hour event on Saturday (Apr 16).

Local choirs from John Bentley and Priestley Primary schools also performed throughout the day with hundreds gathering at New Market Place for the final Big Sing by all choirs at 3pm.

Organiser Tracy Howell said: “It is was an amazing day. Calne was filled with a vast array of musical sounds.

“It was brilliant and loads of people came out with all five venues packed out by members of the public.

“This is the first time that I have organised the event and from my point of view it was really a privilege to organise something were so many people have fun.

“A big thank you to all the choirs that took part, we look forward to seeing you all next year.”

The choirs were split amongst five different venues over the town including Marden House, the town hall, heritage centre, Free Church and Lansdowne Hotel.

Audience members were also given maracas and lyrics for Stevie Wonder’s ‘Sir Duke’ and ‘Thank You For The Music’ by Abba so they could join in with the choirs for the singalong at the Big Sing at the end.

Sarah Mouille, who led two of the choirs, said: “It was fantastic and there were lots and lots of people there and it created a great atmosphere.

“The evening has got bigger and bigger each year which is great. I was leading two of the choirs during the day.

“My kids, Kaitlyn and Elliott played piano and drums as well during the event. It is always fun playing. I get more nervous talking in front of crowds rather than playing.”