A choir from Barnsley with songs ranging from pop and gospel has been ranked as number one in the UK and fifth-best globally.
Barnsley Youth Choir (BYC) has achieved the stellar rankings in the Pop, Jazz, Gospel, Spiritual & Barbershop Choir category of the Interkultur rankings, beating hundreds of other groups.
Artistic director and founder Mat Wright MBE said: “We’re clearly thrilled to be named as the top ranked choir from Great Britain.
“We would like to pay tribute to all singers that have taken part in ranking competitions since 2014, to volunteers, supporters and everyone that has contributed to this success.”
The choir prides itself on its inclusivity and has over 400 singers from ages four to 24 and serves a community where one in four children grow up in poverty.
Barnsley councillor Robert Frost, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, said: “This recognition is nothing more than the members deserve for their efforts and talent and, of course, the volunteers, without whom this would not be possible.
“A huge congratulations to everyone involved and to those who have supported the choir over the last seven years where these ranking points have been accumulated.”
The choir has enjoyed incredible levels of success since forming in 2009 and has raised over £10,000 for Barnsley Hospice after releasing a charity single.
This achievement comes as Cllr Frost confirmed Barnsley has submitted a bid to the government for Levelling Up funding to develop a new Northern Academy of Vocal Excellence (NAVE).
He said: “We want Barnsley to be the place of possibilities.”
Cllr Frost added: “The NAVE would be a permanent home to BYC and engage with other national and international partners and organisations to provide a centre of excellence for singing in the North of England.
“It will support the local community and provide outstanding development opportunities nationally.”
If any young person up to the age of 24 is interested in joining the Barnsley Youth Choir, go to barnsleyyouthchoir.org.uk for more information.
