Ip-art, The Nightingale Project, Sunday, June 27, Ipswich Cornhill

The BBC’s Choral Ambition Scheme - The Nightingale Project - took off on the Cornhill when Ipswich Choral Society organised a come and sing event with audience participation.

This was part of the Ipswich Arts Festival, which began on Saturday and continues for two weeks.

Over the past few months groups of folk with little or no singing experience have been enjoying taking part in workshops which explored several aspects of vocal music-making.

A specially written work by James McWilliam and Bridget Cousins was performed at the event and anybody could come along and join in.

The first session was directed by Bridget, who inspired us with a series of singing “rounds” and spirituals like Swing low, sweet chariot, O when the saints come marching in and The Gospel train is coming. Another group enjoyed playing African drum rhythms on traditional instruments.

During the second session the singers rehearsed an arrangement of The wreck of the Sloop John B, Dry your tears Afrika from the film Amistad, Bridge over troubled water and two songs on the theme of home, this time directed by Steven Rumsey.

The performance took place at 3.30pm - a selection of the above - and lasted about half-an-hour. There were around 35 singers, who had great fun enjoying themselves with this project and providing entertainment for the shoppers and those on the way to the pubs to watch the football.

DAVID RUDDOCK