‘A voluntary organisation which supports all individuals and organisations involved in the arts in Redditch and those who would like to be.’

Everybody, Let’s Sing ‘started from a love of singing. No matter how old you are, the joy of singing with other people is uplifting and soul enhancing! We want as many people as possible to have the opportunity to experience those feelings. ELS has various sections – all with the same aim – to enjoy singing together, and at times, to share this singing with a wider audience. Alvechurch Community Choir meets regularly to sing, and on occasions, perform. The choir’s outreach activities to care homes and community groups also draw in, and entertain, others’.

‘We are a mixed choir of all ages made up of around 40-50 singers ... We perform our own fundraising concerts during the year and in addition we perform concerts by invitation from other organisations, churches, village halls, charities, etc., who wish to raise their own funds ... We perform music of many styles – show songs, opera choruses, spirituals, folk songs, traditional songs, ballads, classic pop – so there is something to please everyone.’

‘We are an Amateur Operatic Society, specialising in Gilbert and Sullivan and Victorian/Edwardian Light Opera/Operetta, as well as making an occasional foray into Musical Comedy. The aim of our Society is to provide a social outlet for all ages, at the same time providing an opportunity for our members to participate or perform to the best of their abilities. This culminates in an annual production ... usually in March each year. ... Socially, we have walks on some Mondays during the summer, but those that are not that energetic can just meet us in the pub afterwards! We have an annual dinner, usually in January, and wonderful after-show events!‘

We are a professional orchestra based in Worcestershire: ‘During 1995 Nigel Morley, a well known and respected local figure in music circles, founded The Midland Sinfonia. Nigel’s dream was to bring live professional classical music to the people of Alvechurch in north Worcestershire, the Midlands and further afield ... During 2003, TMS became a registered charity with an elected Board of Trustees. The Board invited sponsors and patrons to support the orchestra financially and it is entirely due to their generosity that The Midland Sinfonia can offer such a high quality programme each season. We cannot emphasise too much the importance of our kind supporters, particularly The Elmley Foundation, without whom it would not have been possible to continue ...’

Established in 1948: ‘The Orchestra is made up of 35 members and it is enlarged for concerts to 40-50 players depending on the programme ... Orchestra repertoire is varied, but mainly comes from the classical, romantic and early twentieth century. The programmes are designed to be interesting and a challenge for players to rehearse, to attract an audience and to be financially viable in terms of music hire, copyright and soloist's fees.’

‘Our Society performs their main show once a year, traditionally during April, at the Palace Theatre, Redditch. Over the years the range of productions has varied considerably and we have been recognised by NODA both for shows and programme production ... We are a friendly society and actively welcome new members to join us either in an acting or non-acting capacity ... Whilst in session we rehearse twice a week - on Wednesday night for Company and Chorus and Monday night for Principals.‘

‘Our repertoire is accomplished, lively, fun and varied, covering pieces of choral, pop, ballad, musicals and comedy styles, giving us a wide and varied repertoire which can be tailored to the tastes and requirements of our audiences and client.’

‘First opened its doors in August, 1913, a comparative latecomer in the wave of new theatre building in which public demand for entertainment had been finding expression since the beginning of the century.’ A variety of uses over the next 70 years culminated in a 1982 Report that ‘only 60 people turned up to see a concert. Just five of them were from Redditch. “The fate of the Redditch Palace is in the hands of the audience.” The Redditch Borough Council took over the management and running of the building in 1985 and since then has continued a tradition of providing a wide mix of entertainment to please every palate.’