'We're doing something brave together': Meet the new Leeds night choir offering a 'midweek reset'
Led by a Leeds Conservatoire graduate, a new branch of the Local Vocals community choir has launched at Lister Hill Baptist Church - offering a relaxed, zero-pressure space to sing, connect, and raise money for charity
A new Wednesday night community hub in Horsforth is proving that group singing is less about vocal perfection and far more about shared connection.
Meeting every week at Lister Hill Baptist Church, the newly launched Horsforth branch of the Local Vocals family is designed to give residents a relaxed space to switch off, laugh, and sing together.
The choir is led by Tia Williams, a Leeds Conservatoire graduate; for her, moving from the often rigid expectations of professional music to a community choir offers a completely different, rewarding dynamic.
“A lot of music work can be quite focused on getting things perfect, especially when you’re performing or working professionally,” Tia said. “Leading a community choir feels really special because you see the impact it has on people straight away.
“There’s such a nice energy in the room when everyone is singing together, especially when people start to relax and enjoy it. People come in for a sing, have a laugh, chat to new people, and leave feeling better. It’s a really lovely thing to be part of.”
For many, walking into a choir rehearsal can be intimidating, with some new members arriving incredibly nervous or convinced they simply cannot sing.
To combat those fears, Tia structures rehearsals to build confidence from the moment people walk through the door. There are no high-pressure environments; instead, the focus is purely on collective fun.
“We start every rehearsal with fun warm-ups to get everyone laughing and feeling comfortable, then we learn a proper feel-good song all together,” Tia explained. “I think that’s what makes people relax so quickly. It feels friendly from the start.
“I think singing is a really good icebreaker because everyone is doing something a bit brave together. Even if it feels silly at first, everyone is in the same boat, and that makes people relax around each other quite quickly.”
This shared vulnerability is already helping members build close bonds that extend past the church doors.
“You start off just standing near someone in a rehearsal, and before you know it you’re chatting before choir, checking in on each other and making friends outside of it. It’s really nice to see.”
From Fleetwood Mac to giving back
The repertoire for the group spans a wide variety of familiar hits, from Oasis and Queen to Adele. The tracks are chosen specifically for their ability to spark an instant, emotional connection with the room.
And according to Tia, the Horsforth members have already found their current standout anthem.
“Sometimes that’s because they know every word, sometimes it’s because it brings back a memory, and sometimes it’s just because the chorus feels amazing when everyone sings it together. We're currently tackling 'The Chain' by Fleetwood Mac and it’s an absolute banger.”
Beyond the personal benefits of a midweek musical escape, the choir has a strong charitable drive.
To date, the wider Local Vocals organisation has raised £56,000 for local causes - a statistic that provides the singers with a strong sense of purpose.
“It’s already such a positive thing for people to come together and sing every week, so the fact that it can also support local causes makes it feel even more meaningful,” Tia said.
“It gives people a real sense of pride as well. They’re not just coming to a rehearsal; they’re part of something that reaches a bit further than the choir room.”
For those in the area who are curious but hesitant to join, Tia's advice is to simply take the first step.
“I’d honestly just say give it a go once. You don’t have to be a confident singer, and you don’t have to know what you’re doing. Most people are nervous the first time, so you definitely wouldn’t be the only one.
“You can come along, see what it’s like, and join in as much as you feel comfortable with. There’s no pressure. It’s just a really nice way to get out of the house, meet some lovely people and do something that makes you feel good.”
To book a free taster session or find out more about the new Wednesday night rehearsals at Lister Hill Baptist Church, (1 Brownberrie Ave, Horsforth, Leeds LS18 5PW) visit the official Local Vocals channels online or follow @localvocalsuk.