London’s week long celebration of song, Sing London, pulled off something of a coup this week when it enticed the brand new Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families to join in with one of its events.
Ed Balls sang along with primary school children from St Mary’s RC in North Kensington as they performed with members of staff choirs at his newly formed department’s HQ, Sanctuary Buildings near St James’ Park.
Schools Minister Andrew Adonis also lent his voice to the proceedings, along with the Singing Ambassador Howard Goodall. Both ministers took the opportunity to congratulate Howard on his tremendous work in leading the National Singing Programme, and to confirm the government’s commitment to the Music Manifesto.
Children from a second school, St Matthew’s, then led adult choirs in a varied programme of songs at the neighbouring church of the same name, just around the corner from the DCSF.
Sing London, which is in its first year, comprises a hundred events over ten days, aimed at getting the whole of London singing.
Supporting the Whitehall singalong, as well as the schools and staff choirs, were the Voices Foundation, the Voce Chamber Choir and the Reverend Philip Chester. See below to find out what the children and adults sang together, and then view the photos and watch the video highlights.
Sing London at the DCSF:
A medley of summer-themed songs including Here Comes the Sun, You Are My Sunshine, Get Happy, Calypso, Junkanoo and Sasaboma.
Sing London at St Mathew’s Church, Great Peter St:
Zadok the Priest, Look at the World, Tomorrow, Salute the Sun, Ilanga Libantu Bahle, and Amazing Grace
Find out more about Sing London
View pictures from the event here
Watch the video highlights below