Sankofa Songsters Enjoy TV Debut with Royal Family

An intergenerational choir based at a care village in the heart of Chester has been catapulted into the national limelight after its caring community spirit resulted in an invitation to Westminster Abbey to perform, by royal request, at ITV's Royal Carols: Together at Christmas concert.

The Sankofa Songsters, aged from two to 100, comprises residents of the Belong Chester care village, children of the Nursery in Belong, operated by the charity, Ready Generations, and members of the wider community, including pupils from Hoole CE Primary School.  

Thirty of the choir's members made the 400-mile round trip to Westminster Abbey after choirmaster Amanda Wrigley received a letter from Her Royal Highness Catherine the Princess of Wales to lead the concert’s 1,600-strong congregation in a rendition of Away in a Manger. 

Millions of viewers in the UK and around the world will also be able to tune into what is now an annual festive staple in the Royal calendar, when the concert is aired on ITV1 at 7:30pm on Christmas Eve. 

Ian Kearl, aged 91, was one of the Belong residents who sang at the concert, having joined the choir after losing his wife earlier this year.

The former RAF pilot said:

"This opportunity brought together both my love of singing and love of my community. It was a very special day and being there with friends who have provided much support and camaraderie over the past year made it even more poignant." 

Ruth Sandbach, manager of the Nursery in Belong, said:

"Our children couldn't have been more excited at this opportunity to travel to London and sing in front of the Princess of Wales and her family. It's a day which I'm sure will live in their memories for many years to come and we hope that the visit will be reciprocated in the future!" 

With this year’s service featuring personal stories of those who show love, empathy and kindness in their communities, the Sankofa Songsters were invited for their compassionate support of local people. The group meets weekly at the City Road Belong care village to rehearse their performances which welcome people of all ages and abilities to join, with a particular focus on bringing older people and young children together. Recent highlights include a Christmas carols service at Chester’s All Saints Church, a community sing-along at The Hammond School, and Elders Week at Storyhouse arts centre.  

Choirmaster, Amanda Wrigley, added:

"Singing brings people of all ages together in an incredibly uplifting and joyous way and provides an escape day-to-day living challenges they may be facing. It has been an incredible journey to grow our choir over the past year, but we could never have imagined that it would lead to an opportunity as momentous as this."  

The name, Sankofa Songsters, takes inspiration from the principles of Sankofa leadership, a Ghanian concept acknowledging the need to reflect on the past in order to build a successful future. 

Caroline Ray, general manager of Belong Chester, explained:

"The aim of integrating a children's nursery within our care village was very much about bringing young and old together under one roof. Children benefit from opportunities to learn from their older friends, who in turn value the sense of purpose and sheer fun that comes with spending time together." 

As well as choir singing, shared experiences include arts and crafts, mealtimes and excursions. 

Royal Carols: Together at Christmas will be available to watch on demand on ITVX following its screening at 7:30pm on ITV1 on 24 December 2024.  

Pictured - Members of the Sankofa Songsters look forward to their TV debut:

(L-R) Amanda Wrigley (choirmaster, Live the Beat); Ian Kearl (Belong Chester resident); Charlotte Worthington and Serah Savio (The Nursery in Belong)