Dumfries Community Choir set to tour region for series of gigs

Dumfries Community Choir are hitting the high notes with the public as they tour the region on a series of public gigs.

The choir has gone from strength to strength over the years with a membership of almost 60 singers now, ranging in ages from 20 years old to 84 and they regularly meet at every Tuesday at St. Georges Church Hall in the town.

They fall under the auspices of the Big Burns Supper Group where producer and choir founder Graham Main says: “A lot of people have been singing with Dumfries Community Choir for nearly 14 years.

“As well as being good for your health and wellbeing, it is a great social space as they like to go out and do gigs which creates a touring community and look out for each other.

“It can be a lonely world out there, particularly in the winter.

“The project looks at alternative song choices, which is why this year they are covering songs from contemporary artists like Sam Ryder to much more alternative styles like The Velvet Underground.

“Participants share a common love of musicology which is great to keep the mind discovering new music.”

Their talents have also come to the attention of a famous band who are keen to collaborate with the choir in a secret project which is still under wraps at the moment and should be revealed later this year.

Meanwhile, Gary Cameron, director of music for the choir said: “They play regularly across the region, including the Main Stage at Eden Festival so you will find the 84-year-old with her wellies on in the same place as loads of young people.

“Audiences really embrace our set, they go wild as we have a lot of Ibiza tracks in there to get everyone in the groove.

“They also help as many local causes like Morrisons who were recently raising money for national charities and can be seen at local parades and galas. If anyone wants us to play, give us a shout.”

Mr Cameron regularly travels from Glasgow to take the Tuesday night sessions and earned glowing praise from one member, Sandie Donald, 51, from Dumfries.

She said: “I joined in November 2022 and I love it. I always wanted to join and Gary is great, he brings people on. I don’t sing that well, but Gary has worked with me and others and helped bring me on.

“It is very therapeutic and good for your mental health too.

“We all look forward to our Tuesday nights. We did a gig at Morrison’s recently and sang ‘Vienna’ from Ultravox which went down really well with the customers.”