Community choir forms in Southport to foster hope in wake of tragic events

A community choir featuring more than 100 musicians has formed in Southport to foster hope and togetherness in the wake of tragic events in the town over the last fortnight.

Three little girls, Bebe King, aged six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, aged seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, aged nine, were killed when a knifeman launched a ferocious attack inside a Taylor Swift themed dance class in the town on 29th July 2024, seriously injuring many more. It sparked violent protests and riots across the country.

In response, members of the Southport community have come together to record their own version of the Taylor Swift song 'Love Story'. The youngest in the choir is just six years old, the oldest is 96.

Dave Medlock is the Southport musician and producer who came up with the idea: ""I decided it was time for me to do something to try and put a little bit of positivity back into the community because this tragic event and everything that has unfolded as a result of the event, has affected everybody. Music can be used to express emotions and we've used ours as a fundraiser so when people watch the video they can access the link in the YouTube video to donate.

"We have over 100 musicians playing on the record, there's a flute in there, we have two drummers, three bass players, two guitarists, and I lost count of how many singers we had. Because it was a community outreach project, I asked for 'all ages and abilities' on the Facebook advert and it was just a way of people to use music as a way of expressing themselves.

"I could not be more proud of everyone who was involved. The sheer level of talent was incredible and all the singers and musicians practised it themselves - the fact that it came out as brilliantly as it did, I'm still shocked and it hasn't worn off yet."

It's hoped the song will be performed at a major fundraiser at Southport Pleasureland on 1st September 2024 to raise £1m for local hospitals and the North West Air Ambulance, which played such vital roles in the aftermath of the attack.

Chief Executive of Southport Pleasureland, Norman Wallis said: “This is a chance for our community to come together and show their support for our local hospitals. The work they do is incredibly important, and we’re lucky to have these NHS services, but it’s well known that they are underfunded and need support. We’re incredibly grateful to have a world class hospital like Alder Hey so close by, and we want to do what we can to help.

"And of course, we saw first hand the vital work that North West Air Ambulance do. Without them, the events of that tragic day could have been even worse, and they are so reliant on donations, so we wanted to make sure they're included in our fundraising activities.

"Nothing we can do will be able to take away the pain that losing Bebe, Alice, and Elsie has caused so many people, but we wanted to do something positive to help the community. So many children have been affected by what’s happened, and hopefully this event will give them an opportunity to come and just be kids for a day in a safe place where they can have fun with their families before they return to school in September.”

Tickets can now be purchased via the Pleasureland Ticket booking system and all funds will be donated to local hospitals and North West Air Ambulance.