SAFFRON Walden Town Hall resounded with the sound of seven-hour, non-stop musical extravaganza on Saturday.

Saffron Walden Reporter: Singing marathonSinging marathon (Image: Archant)

to promote singing and to raise money for the mayor’s chosen charity, Saffron Walden Opportunity Playgroup.

Saffron Walden Reporter: Singing marathonSinging marathon (Image: Archant)

Running from 9am to 4pm, choral, ensemble and solo pieces showcased local vocalists of varied style and experience.

High quality student singers from Saffron Walden County High School Chamber Choir were amongst early performers, while many local primary schools were also represented.

There were also a range of solo performances from a number of talented young people.

The audience came and went throughout the day, enjoying the range of musical entertainment and home-baked cakes.

An audience also joined in the first community singing session of the day, led by St Thomas More School Choir in singing rounds of traditional songs such as Frere Jacques.

By lunchtime more mature singers from Joanna Eden’s weekly singing-for-pleasure-group were inspiring the audience with their “everyone can sing” attitude, giving renditions of modern standards. Other adults took short solo spots throughout the day, showing a range of talent from the town’s Music Hall, Musical Theatre and Choral Society singers.

Young singers aged six to eight and based at St Mary’s Church ‘Joyful Noise’ offered more reflective songs, before a rousing session of campfire songs led by Brownies and Guides.

The finale saw many of the singers join members of the Granta Chorale and Saffron Walden Chorale Society on stage for a Proms-style ending, complete with Sailor’s Hornpipe, Union Flags and a contribution from the audience.

Over £450 was raised on the day for SWOP, which provides play sessions for children aged five years and under with a range of disabilities and needs.