Harbour Lights – Amble Community Choir is 15 years old. Started in 2010 by leader Flora Smith, in conjunction with the charity 20,000 Voices. Over the years it has blossomed and developed, growing from a small group into the choir of over 55 people.

At its heart is community, and it is led by vocal coach and community musician Sarah Gray. Sarah is supported by a volunteer committee who are essential in keep things running smoothly.

The choir is committed to welcoming everyone, regardless of musical knowledge and prior experience.

Harbour Lights celebrated this 15-year anniversary by recording two songs written especially for the choir by the two leaders, Flora and Sarah – who reunited for the day. On 13 March, the choir assembled to sing Sarah’s ‘Lights’ and ‘Harbour Lights – Flora’s Song’ – the latter also featuring the children of King Edwin Primary School.

Tom Wilson recorded the choir, and Amy Langdown documented the day with a video, which included interviews with Amble townsfolk and members of the choir.

It is intended that this provides a social history document; showing the people at the heart of the choir. Together with the town itself, it provides the inspiration for the two pieces of music that have been sung by hundreds of people in all parts of the UK.