The concert took place on the evening of Saturday 6 June 2026 at Immanuel URC in Swindon, Swindon24 reported. Thamesdown Ladies Choir sang under musical director Shelley Morgan, with the Devizes Clarinet Ensemble, whose players come from Devizes Town Band, as guests.
Who benefited?
The money raised went to Swindon Stroke Support Group, which the choir chose as its charity for 2026. The group was founded in 1984 and has supported stroke survivors and their families in Swindon for more than 40 years, offering friendship, activities and practical help. It runs regular social events, outings and holidays, and transport is a large part of its costs. The report did not say how much the concert raised.
What was performed?
- Musical theatre songs from Chicago, Rent, Billy Elliot, Chess, Hairspray and Mary Poppins, ending with "You Can't Stop the Beat"
- Pieces with the clarinet ensemble, including "Sumer Is Icumen In" and the title song "Why We Sing"
- Clarinet selections from The Pirates of Penzance and a Fiddler on the Roof medley
The choir celebrated its golden anniversary in 2025. Swindon Borough Council leader Councillor Gary Sumner, whose wife sang with the choir, was in the audience and said: "It was a wonderful evening and a fantastic example of community spirit in action."
The evening ended with refreshments in the church hall, where guests could meet the performers and find out about the charity.
Source: Swindon24.