Wednesday 22 June 2011

The Big Sing


I apologise for yet another post about singing, but I have to tell you about The Big Sing. Next week I promise I won't even MENTION singing....

Last night being the summer solstice, the Suitcase Singers and Claire’s other two choirs headed off to Watergate Bay on the North Coast of Cornwall for the Big Sing. A midsummer’s evening of music, art and dance. Given the weather recently we were prepared for the worst with brollies, thermals, scarves and all manner of warm keeping stuff, but we got there at 6.30 to brilliant sunshine on a clear beach miles long, albeit with a stiff onshore breeze.

We all laid down picnic rugs, opened bottles and stood and chatted while we did a quick warm up, then the first dancers did a wonderful dance barefooted on the sand. This was followed by several other choirs, then us. Standing on the stage there, looking out over a sea of rapt friends, with the sea crashing behind them, was an incredibly moving experience. We all shared picnics, drank rather too much wine in our case – it’s strange how it seems to go down very quickly on a beach – and had to retire to the bar to wait for our taxi. 8 of us shared a lift home and sang, to the bemusement of the taxi driver, all the way back.

MollieDog went to stay with my friend Sheila, round the corner, as I knew I would be late back, and as I have to go to Truro this afternoon, she is keeping Molls until I get back which is very kind. Though it is Very Quiet without my little girl.

I’m somewhat short on sleep now so forgive me if this doesn’t make much sense. There was an incredibly pagan, earthy, Celtic feeling over that, the longest night. And sharing it with some of my dearest friends as well as a whole beachful of singers, made it one of the most memorable nights for a long time.

18 comments:

Vermont Designs said...

Looking forward to the video. Hugs, SIL.

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

Your post made perfect sense, and I'm so glad you had an enjoyable time!! But what has happened to those days when we could stay up all hours eat and drink what we wanted and be just fine the next day?? :-)

Flowerpot said...

Kim - oh good I'm glad it made sense! I'm not overhung - I drank lots of water before going to bed - I just didnt get enough sleep so feeling very grainy eyed!

Flowerpot said...

Shelagh - someone was filming all of it so I will let you know when it becomes available!

Akelamalu said...

That sounds like an awesome night Flowerpot! :)

Flowerpot said...

Ak - it certainly was!

Anonymous said...

You sound as though you're really enjoying yourself; singing is so good for the soul, keep it going!

CJ xx

Chris Stovell said...

Pagan and earthy sound just the ticket! Glad it went so well.

Flowerpot said...

Chris - yes it was great!

Flowerpot said...

CJ - singing is the best!

Deborah Carr (Debs) said...

That sounds like a perfect evening, I'm glad you had a wonderful time.

Bluestocking Mum said...

Sounds wonderful to me!

I adore singing and can't tell you how good it feels to be able to open my jaws and sing from the rooftop these last few weeks since my surgery.

I've been watching 'Rock Choir' and it looks like they are having rather a lot of fun too.

As someone said, it's good for the soul...
xx

Flowerpot said...

Bluestocking - so glad you are able to sing again too. Must be wonderful. I am hoping to catch Rock Choir tonight...

Flowerpot said...

Debs - it was brilliant!

Colette McCormick said...

Sounds great. All we had that day was rain, rain and then some more rain.

Flowerpot said...

Colette - we've had our fair share of that too!

Talli Roland said...

Please don't stop talking about singing! I love hearing about it and this sounds idyllic. Have a great weekend!

Flowerpot said...

Talli - oh good I thought I was probably boring the pants off everyone with all this musical stuff!