Students unite in song for the Virtual Big Sing 2021 from Abbey Road Studios

Harriet Clifford
Thursday, July 1, 2021

This year’s online event for primary and secondary schools is led by vocal coach Mark De-Lisser and features a star-studded line-up of artists.

Mark De-Lisser
Mark De-Lisser

Adam Prosser

Students around the UK will come together virtually today (1 July) for Norfolk Music Hub’s Virtual Big Sing 2021 (VBS2021). 

Streamed from Abbey Road Studios and free for schools nationwide, the session for secondary schools starts at 11am, while the primary session kicks off at 1:30pm. 

It is hoped that over 500,000 children will join, and all schools that have registered have received parts and lyrics, as well as a singing tutorial from De-Lisser. 

Singing alongside the children is a line-up of celebrity artists, including Gabrielle, Aston Merrygold, Professor Green, Marisha Wallace, RED (Tik Tok star), Kirsten Joy (Clean Bandit), Nathan Evans, MNEK, and Becky Hill. 

The artists have been promoting the event on social media over the last few months, highlighting the benefits of singing together as a group. 

De-Lisser said: ‘Because of lockdown, so many children have missed out on singing together as a group, which is something I know first hand is beneficial for mental health. 

‘I have chosen the line-up for Virtual Big Sing 2021 that includes artists that schoolchildren will connect with, and a few that will strike a chord with teachers and parents because I want everyone to join in. 

‘Singing the same song gives us a shared purpose and a sense of achievement. This is about feeling good, and about making music in schools fun and engaging.’

The sing-along performance will be followed by an open Q&A session with the artists, in which children can submit questions prior to the event. 

Norfolk Music Hub has partnered with Charanga, NYMAZ, Music For Youth and Viking Sound and Lighting to host the event. 

www.norfolkmusichub.org.uk/site/virtual-big-sing-2021