Zusammen Choir Procession

Susan Forsyth (green beret) leads the Zusammen Choir Procession

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The much anticipated Zusammen Choir Procession led by artist Susan Forsyth was enjoyed by hundreds this evening.

Following a nationwide public vote the Rochdale Pioneers Museums and Touchstones Rochdale won the Museums at Night competition and their prize was to bring the Zusammen Choir to Rochdale.

Zusammen means ‘together’ and the drop-in choir consisted entirely of members of the general public and community groups who came together to sing for the one night only.

The choir, accompanied by community bands, including Littleborough Brass Band and Rochdale Youth Band, started at the Parish Church and then processed to a series of local land marks, including the Broadfield Park Bandstand, the Rochdale War Memorial and Toad Lane - home of the Rochdale Pioneers Museum - and St Mary in the Baum Church, and stopped to sing.

Songs included a diverse range of genres such as: 'If I knew you were coming back I'd have baked you a cake' (Gracie Fields), 'Leaning on a lamp post' (George Formby), 'Jerusalem' (Words: William Blake), Reach fot the stars (S Club 7), Blowin' in the wind (Bob Dylan) and more.

Geoff Alexander sang his tongue-in-cheek 'I'm going back to Rochdale'.

Rochdale Hornets mascot, Hercules, also joined in the fun.

The procession ended fittingly at the Rochdale Pioneers Museum.

One 'choir' member, Liesl Beckles, said: "If every walk was like that I would walk everywhere. A life long memory made."

Susan Forsyth said: "Two hundred plus people and two amazing brass bands. Thanks Rochdale; best ever Zusammen Choir.

Susan Forsyth's Zusammen Choir Processions have previously taken place in Warsaw, Lisbon and London.