The Springfield Singers, a collection of 30 female vocalists based in Lydney, are to perform two concerts within the space of four days at the start of June.

The award-winning choir will take to the stage on 5th and 9th June in the Forest of Dean village of St Briavels where they will be singing a range of their favourite songs from musicals, film and theatre.

Judith James, who sings in the choir as well as fulfilling the jobs of secretary and publicity officer for the vocal group, says performing two concerts within four days is a challenge the choir are going to embrace. “To sing with such a wonderful group of ladies is always a real privilege,” said Judith. She continued: “Getting up on stage and singing is what we love best. We’re a close-knit group, we’re all friends and enjoy performing. We usually have more time between performances, but a couple of days rest for our vocal chords will be sufficient for us to be at our best.

“We’re incredibly lucky to be supported by Sarah Waycott who is our conductor. She’s a talented professional musician and is a real joy to perform with. Richard Watson, a highly accomplished pianist and renowned session musician, is another who brings a wealth of musical knowledge to the choir.”

For their upcoming concerts in St Briavels the choir will be singing a range of their favourite songs, with a wide variety of musical genres represented. Continued Judith: “We sing a huge range of songs, from classical music, pop songs, to famous songs from films and theatre. It’s a lot of fun jumping from a classical number to a faster paced pop song, it keeps everyone on their toes!”

Judith has been a member of the Springfield Singers ever since moving to Lydney three years ago from the north-east where she sang with the Middlesbrough Operatic Society. Singing is one of her favourite hobbies, and she’s always keen to speak to women who have a passion for singing. Judith continued: “We’re always on the look out for new members to join our choir, anyone who has an interest in singing is very welcome to pop along to a practice session and join us. You don’t need to be an expert or an experienced singer, as long as you’re passionate and enjoy performing we’ll welcome you with open arms!

“Everyone who performs in a choir will tell you being part of a team is a really uplifting experience. We’re a choir that likes to have fun, performing alongside your friends is the best feeling. As well as our regular performances in the Forest of Dean we also sing at weddings and old people’s homes. Seeing the appreciation on people’s faces is what makes all the practice sessions worthwhile, it’s a great feeling.”

The Springfield Singers have been impressing audiences since being formed over four decades ago. Since their first practice session back in 1976 the female vocal group have entertained audiences across the county and have performed at many notable venues across England. From their first concert back in the late 1970s the choir’s success grew at a phenomenal rate and they quickly became recognised as a choir of high musical ability. They have travelled widely, giving numerous concerts for charity and achieved success at prestigious competition venues in cities such as Bath, Bristol, Cheltenham and Herefordshire, in one year winning no fewer than five first prizes.