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29

Jun 2022

Last Updated: 29/06/2022
Community
Community

Harrogate choir dropped at last minute by Barry Manilow

by John Plummer

| 29 Jun, 2022
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Some members of Love Pop Choir were in tears after being told they were no longer required.

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Members of a Harrogate choir were left devastated when they were dropped by Barry Manilow just hours before they were due to perform with him.

Love Pop Choir was all set to sing It’s A Miracle and Let Freedom Ring with the American superstar at the First Direct Arena on Saturday.

But about two hours before they were due on stage they were told they were no longer required due to a late change of schedule.

Barry came out and apologised but some singers were in tears at the news after spending four weeks rehearsing feverishly. Many of their friends and families had brought tickets especially for the occasion.

The choir members were allowed to go on stage straight after they received the news to sing their songs alone and received complimentary tickets to the show.

Lauren Elliott, who owns the choir, said:

"Everybody was devastated. They had put so much effort and work into it.
"People were really struggling to sing and in floods of tears so it wasn't our best sound but I'm proud of everyone for being so brave and singing on that stage anyway.
"It's a shame they never heard us beforehand because we sounded fab when we were all happy and excited. Maybe if they had they would have changed their minds."


Ms Elliott has written to Barry's team asking if he will make a contribution to a fundraising venture it's doing for Leeds Hospitals Charity.




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The choir have been raising funds ahead of the British Transplant Games in Leeds next month. Saturday’s performance was due to be the climax of a 100 hours of fundraising singing.

Donations van be made here.