Cheltenham date for African choir

The African Children's Choir haven't performed in Cheltenham before

The internationally acclaimed African Children's Choir is to bring the angelic voices of its members to Gloucestershire.

It is the first date the choir, which compromises of children aged between seven and eleven who many have lost one or both parents due to poverty or disease, will have performed in Cheltenham.

The concert at St Philip and St James' Church in Leckhampton will include well-loved children's songs, gospel tunes and lively African spirituals.

The choir was formed in 1984 and each year a new choir is created and the children from the previous choir return home to attend school. Their education is completely funded by the choir.

Since its inception the choir has established schools and provided educational scholarships in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Sudan, Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa.

'Make a difference'

In addition to this, the choir finances numerous relief and development projects throughout Africa.

"The children in the choir represent millions of children in Africa," said Ray Barnett, founder of the African Children's Choir.

"These children are bright, articulate and motivated to realise their potential.

"We believe they can make a difference and we believe that when audiences see Africa through their eyes they will want to partner with us to give these children every opportunity to succeed and impact their countries."

The African Children's Choir will be performing at St Philip and St James' Church in Leckhampton, Cheltenham, on Saturday, 21 November, 2009 at 7pm.