“Holding Our Breath” Survey — Lancashire Encounter outreach with Arts Lancashire

This summer, Lancashire Encounter Festival’s Encounter Voices has run a survey on the impact of COVID on community singing groups throughout Lancashire. Here are a few headlines ahead of a full report:

The good news is that grassroots singing is thriving again after a hard time during the pandemic– we engaged 47 groups, representing over 1600 regular singers in each of the 14 boroughs across Lancashire.

People were quick to adapt vocal music making during the pandemic in Lancashire — over half used digital tools to meet, socialise and develop their music.

COVID mitigation and impact continues, over half of groups continuing to use increased spacing between members, increased ventilation and provision of hand sanitiser. Only 18% reported not using any mitigation currently.

Despite the resilience and readiness to adapt, there are challenges -

60% of groups have had to cancel rehearsals due to COVID even after restrictions had been relaxed.

77% have lost members due to the pandemic.

Worryingly, 29% of groups are concerned about their viability if they can’t recruit more members- that represents groups who engage hundreds across Lancashire.

Vocal music continues and is a vital part of communities. But a stronger county culture ecosystem should be part of a supporting the community singing scene to address the challenges of the impact of the COVID pandemic.

Thanks to all the choirs, groups and individuals who took time to talk to us and fill out the survey. Thanks to Arts Lancashire, Preston Council, Lancashire Encounter, and More Music for support. More to come…