Click on a member picture to discover their choral story.

And more from our members

Rachel-Soprano

Love this choir - everyone has been so friendly, welcoming and helpful to me as a newbie. Jeff, the leader has great energy bringing just the right balance of challenge, support and variety of music which makes it so enjoyable. Singing together with others here makes me feel healthy and happy in body, mind and spirit - what’s not to love! Rachel

Janet-Soprano

I've been in BPC for something like 20 years and I cant believe the breadth of repertoire I have experienced over the years and indeed in any one rehearsal or concert. If you are looking at joining us I would urge you not to worry too much about genres. The chances are very much stacked in favour of us singing something you will thoroughly enjoy, simply because Jeff is careful to choose arrangements that first and foremost work for our particular bunch of voices. We have sung and do sing classic pop, current pop, gospel, folk, Beatles, Bob Dylan, Latin text, classic texts and poetry settings, Disney and film, King Singers, global influences and some very interesting and contemporary choral pieces. All these, and some I've probably missed, have been carefully arranged and in some cases specially for us.

Jeff teaches anything brand new systematically, in a way that ensures you dont wait too long to tackle your own soprano,alto,tenor or bass part separately. Short sections are built up so you soon see how the parts work together. It keeps you on your toes and you will never be bored. Its a promise!

Adrienne-Alto

In 2002 I found myself at death’s door, diagnosed with a chronic illness and given, (with luck) 8 to 10 years to live. Around two years later, a friend suggested I accompany her to an amazing community choir she had found. “No audition” she promised me, “Just come along.” Having always been involved in the arts, (and prone to being dramatic), I thought: ‘why not, I could do with a handy choir to sing at my funeral!’

That first night meeting the phenomen that is Jeff and singing with B.P.C was a turning point in my life. To be in the midst of a throng of voices mixing, blending and soaring to the high ceiling of the Quaker Meeting house (yes, we were here even back then) was the most uplifting and moving experience I had had in many, many years.

Apart from a brief hiatus before and after COVID, I can honestly say that being part of the choir saved, and is still saving my life. I continue to battle with the same chronic illness along with a few other ailments I have acquired along the way, but I’m still here, I’m still singing and I can honestly say I have Jeff to thank for that along with the unconditional love and support from the friends I have made along the way in this joyous experience of being part of Blackburn People’s Choir.

Christine-Alto

No voice test, no need to read music, no accompaniment – that’s how it was when I first joined the choir over twenty years ago and I’m happy to say it still is. We have some really talented singers with brilliant voices but for music illiterates like me the choir is as accessible and welcoming as it’s always been and I’m so grateful for that.

I can arrive on a Thursday night feeling tired, jaded and at odds with the world and emerge a couple of hours later happier and more energised having rediscovered the will to live. Maybe it’s just the increased oxygen intake or maybe it’s because we are a true community, supporting and helping one another not just in the singing but in so many other ways too.

Accessible doesn’t mean second rate. Under Jeff’s inspirational leadership I’ve learned not to worry about making mistakes and to push the limits of my abilities sometimes well out of my comfort zone. There can’t be many choirs who stand in front of an audience without music not entirely sure what the next number might be and once the first notes are given launch into perfect four- part harmony.

And while standards are high there’s no pressure. It’s left up to each member to decide how involved they want to be whether it’s taking part in competitions, singing at concerts, busking in the street or just turning up on a Thursday night.

I’m proud to belong to this choir. Not because we win competitions but because we’ve stayed faithful to the original vision of a true community choir – welcoming , accessible and open to all. And we make a great sound!

Alan-Bass

I joined the choir coming up 3 years ago needing to do something for myself
The friendship and commitment to help me get settled from all sections has been tremendous and socially its been great
I have just been on the weekend to Grange learning new songs. Wow what fun!
I recommend any one thinking of joining a choir take a look at Blackburn People’s Choir

Claire-Tenor

Too many superlatives describe BPC. It’s a choir that truly puts the Community into community Choir. I joined in 2010 a little nervously at first, but no audition helped and then over the years my confidence and singing ability has grown thanks to Jeff’s inimitable teaching style and my fellow singers.

Since retiring in 2019 I have relied on the community aspect even more making firm friends enjoying mutual pleasure in singing and other social activities.

Alongside weekly rehearsals and concerts we get the chance to sing in many other projects and choirs making it a full diary and you can join or decline these opportunities as you wish.

Basically, being a member of BPC puts you under the umbrella of a huge singing community long may it continue.

Heather-Soprano

Blackburn People's Choir really saved me after my dad died a few years back. It provided the joy that was missing in my life. I had goose bumps when I went home after that first session. I took a break for a few years. My mum has recently died and again I realise the choir is the antidote to my sadness. I will be back soon. It feels so much like a family to me and gave me a warm fuzzy the feeling when I came the other week. Thank you for all you do

Gabby-Soprano

I can't praise BPC enough I was delighted to be invited by AP unexpectedly! What a fantastic journey i have had with you people 😀 I know the hard work it takes to run such a brilliant group . Big Thank-you to Jeff and the others that I could call friends 🧡 unfortunately I am unable to be with you due to personal reasons sending my love 💓

Trish-Alto

A second family!

That's what BPC is to many of us.

Love , support, travel, laughter and so much else comes with it.

All are welcome .

It's a community choir - we are there for the love of singing and it changes and enriches lives.

Jeff's talent, charisma and energy has been inspiring and a joy in my life for over 20 years.

Jackie-Alto

I was looking for a good community choir, and found it! Blackburn Peoples Choir are a lovely group of people, and I was welcomed. I didn't know any of the large repertoire of songs, but they helped me out - and I'm now gaining in confidence to really get stuck in and feel part of such an accomplished choir.

Joan-Tenor

I love being a member of BPC, it’s been over 20yrs and it just gets better and better, fun, friendship and wonderful singing led and encouraged by our brilliant MD.

I was in a choir at school so joining another one was a long time coming. I had heard of The Rock Choir on the TV but that kind of choir didn’t feel right for me. Someone suggested I try Blackburn Peoples Choir so I listened to their website, they sounded very enthusiastic and the fact that you didn’t have to audition and was in Blackburn was a welcome bonus.

Jackie-Soprano

Walking in for the first time was daunting but everyone was so friendly, I soon made friends. They are my dear friends to this day, and although I now live further away I could not leave BPC behind.

Performing to an audience can be quite a daunting task but the choir has given me so much confidence that it doesn’t matter whether we are singing at a wedding, at a concert or at a competition.

All of this is because one particular person chooses the most fabulous acapelo music to sing, it maybe a popular pop song or a piece of divine music, but it will always be different. That person is our musical director Jeff Borradaile, always full of vigour at the beginning and to the end of each rehearsal.

I think we are successful because a lot of effort is put into organising residentials and performing away from home. This gives everyone a chance to mix together and become close, and Blackburn Peoples Choir is close.

So if you’re looking for a friendly place to sing come and have a listen to us to see if we fit your bill.