By Isle of Wight Observer
Two Isle of Wight choirs are joining forces for a charity concert in Cowes next week.
The NHS Nightingales and Gurnard Community Choir will present Sing a Rainbow at St Mary’s Church, Cowes, on Friday, July 3, at 7pm.
The evening will feature pop classics from across the decades, with every song or artist linked to a colour theme. The programme will include music associated with Simply Red and Pink, as well as Big Yellow Taxi, Lady in Red, and Fields of Gold.
The choirs will be backed by live band The Orchestra of the Gods, led by Steinway artist, James Longford, and featuring Jon Thorne on double bass. There will also be solo performances, a raffle, and refreshments.
Money raised will support a project, led by the IW NHS Youth Forum, to redesign the quiet room in the Children’s emergency department at St Mary’s Hospital.
The project aims to create a calm, sensory-designed space for neurodiverse children and those experiencing mental health crises.
Proceeds from the concert will help buy specialist medical-grade beanbags, designed to provide a safe and relaxing environment where children can de-escalate. At least one beanbag will be used in A&E, with another for St Mary’s children’s ward.
Tickets cost £10, or £36 for a group or family ticket for four, and are available from iw.observer/sing-a-rainbow.