Sing for Fun in Exeter: George Formby and George Michael

Until a few days ago, there were very few (if any) real links, on the Internet, between George Formby and George Michael. All that has changed with the new season of  Exeter's unique, community sing for fun sessions with Forever Young.

Exeter is lucky to have so many different singing groups. Forever Young Sing for Fun most Mondays, at St Sidwell's School. There are hundreds of backing tracks including, 'When I'm cleaning windows' (Formby) and 'I knew you were waiting' (Michael). For the more adventurous, there is also, George F's, 'With my little stick of Blackpool rock'. But why, you cry, would you want to sing to backing tracks?

There are those, judging by the comments, who do want to join in on a Monday evening, "… thank you for making the effort to allow us to sing our hearts out ...", and "... this is cheaper that therapy and more fun ...".

It all started, many years ago, when we bought a child's Karaoke machine for our daughter's Christmas present. With their friends they loved to read the words on the TV and sing into the microphones. We noticed that many of the adults would usually decline the mic but still sing at the back of the room. Most of us did not like Karaoke nights in pubs or even on holiday.

Tons of Tiles Showroom now open!!

Tons of Tiles Ltd

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Come and have a look at the extensive range of tiles we have in stock at our Drake Mill, Estover showroom. Most items in stock to take away or delivery option available.

Terms: Showromm open Monday to Thursday 9am - 5pm and Friday 9am - 3pm.

Contact: 01752 421047

Valid until: Saturday, June 15 2013

Exeter has a number of great singing opportunities. We looked into the many different choirs, singing groups and Karaoke sessions in the area but couldn't find anything that fitted - so we started Forever Young Sing for Fun. 'Forever Young', based on Bob Dylans song, was one of the original backing tracks we started with in January 2007. Infact, on the opening night, it was the only song that nobody knew! Six years and hundreds of people later 'Forever Young' is chosen on a regular basis.

Is it of concern that there are around 40 people each week who, like us, enjoy singing to good backing music in a darkened room with the words projected large on the wall? It has to be good backing music (we spend awhile choosing suitable tracks) and it is best sung with others so that the sounds fill the hall and engulf you.

We know that regular singers also sing with other groups in Exeter, some people leave us and others join us from different groups. We know that our popularity is based on an informal, friendly atmosphere plus, with such a wide range of musical styles and moods, it is no wonder that the singers have a great time. Forever Young is living up to its name and a real opportunity to let your hair down and unwind each week. 

There is now a regular group singing to a wide range of  tracks (see the website for more details) from George Formby to George Michael via Adele, Pavarotti and the Scissor Sisters. New singers are always welcome, requiring no talent and it is very informal. There are no auditions, we are not a choir, no one leads or directs, there are no microphones, we sing for ourselves, there are no concerts or rehearsals and everyone can choose the backing music.

To find out what it's like to sing with others to, 'When I'm cleaning windows' or 'Nessun Dorma'(and many more), come along on a Monday evening, 7-9pm, St Sidwell's School, York Road, Exeter EX4 6PG.

For more details email: for.everyoung@hotmail.co.uk

£3:50 pay-on-the-door for 2 hours of fun.

Website: http://singforfun.yolasite.com/