Rockin’ Harmony 25: The Night When The Rhythm Definitely Got Us
- Tanya Lawrence
- Jul 4
- 4 min read
Three and a half years ago - right after the long, lonely Covid lockdowns - I stood in a chilly rehearsal room with just seven brave women. With masks on, coats zipped up tight, and windows wide open to the cold air, we weren’t sure if this choir would even take off, never mind become the terrific team it is today. But we had something that lockdown hadn’t stolen: a fierce hunger to sing, connect, and create something new.
Fast-forward to Thursday 26th June 2025, now boasting two growing teams, and we found ourselves back in the beloved Layton Institute - a local building that holds a special place in so many hearts - ready to present our summer show, “Rockin’ Harmony 25: Rhythm Is Gonna Get You.”
What a transformational journey it's been. I am so incredibly proud of the teams we've built in these few years. The show was a spectacular culmination of years of hard work - not just from me and Jackie, our amazing Marketing Director, but from every single member who has consistently committed time, energy, effort and heart to this choir. From those early days of uncertainty and cold rehearsal rooms, to this dazzling, confident performance - it’s a journey I’ll treasure forever.
For this wasn’t just a concert. It was a bold, joyful reimagining of what a community choir can look, sound, and feel like.
With LED backdrops adding a bright and colourful visuals to our songs, this was a show full of surprises and sparkle. And judging by the whoops of appreciation, we hit all the right notes with our audience.
Our repertoire stretched from 60s to present day rock-pop, packed with those anthems that make your heart sing, your feet tap, and your hands crave to clap along. In true signature style, our ladies performed simple but effective choreography that added unique flair, and moments of pure joy. We even added top hats, canes and trilbies for a sprinkle of Broadway magic.
There were moments of stillness too - the kind where the harmonies wrap around you and something shifts in the atmosphere. Those songs were delivered with precision, sincerity and emotional depth. I saw members of our audience visibly moved during those numbers. Many seeing a loved one in a totally different light, up there on the stage.
And then… the room lifted as I encouraged the audience to clap, sing, sway and join in with us on the livelier songs - and wow, did they rise to the occasion. There’s nothing quite like the sound of a roomful of strangers belting out a chorus together. Pure joy.
For me, one of the greatest privileges of the evening was introducing several first-time soloists - women who, just months ago, may never have imagined themselves stepping into the spotlight. But the weeks and weeks of rehearsal and vocal Master-classes paid off in spades.
Let me tell you, they did more than sing - they soared. Backed by the full harmonic power of the choir, every solo line became a moment of courage, personal triumph and celebration. Goosebumps galore.
During the long months of rehearsals, alongside Jackie, (herself a talented singer and dancer), I aim to make moving and singing feel natural, joyful, and achievable for every member, regardless of their singing background (or lack of it). We want our members not just to sing, but to bring the music to life, to tell the story and convey the emotion. And they do, they really do.
Our chosen supported charity for the night was Trinity Hospice, an organisation doing vital work across the Fylde coast.
I’m thrilled to share that we raised £220 through our raffle - a testament to the generosity of our audience and the spirit of our singers. A huge thank you to everyone who bought tickets. It all makes a difference.
If you were part of the audience that night - thank you. You brought the energy, the warmth, and the joy that makes live performance truly magical.
And if you weren’t there?
Well… let’s just say you missed something rather special. But you'll get another chance next year when we'll be returning to the Layton for Rockin' Harmony 26. In the meantime, there's also our Christmas Show at The Norbreck Hotel, North Promenade on Thursday 4 December 2025.
To keep up to date with all our appearances follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and X (formerly Twitter), or click here to sign up to our followers mailing list.
Want to Be Part of the Next One?
This September, we’re opening our doors to new members - and we’d love to welcome you.
You don’t need to read music.
You don’t need to have sung in a choir before.
You definitely don’t need to be perfect.
All you need is a willingness to try, to be teachable and maybe a bit of rhythm. (Don’t worry, that’ll get you too.)
Join us for one of only TWO Newcomer Opportunities this September and experience what Women Rockin’ Harmony Choirs® is all about.
Because this isn’t just about singing - it’s about confidence, community, and creativity.
And maybe next time, you could be one of the women lighting up the Layton Institute stage.
To try out with either our Blackpool North and Bispham Team or our Blackpool South and St Anne's Team, click here to find out more and book your place.
Don't think about it too long, spots fill up fast, and we only take on new members once a year. Miss it and miss out.
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