A record 277 children took part in The Big Sing 2026 at Eggar’s School in Alton yesterday.

Year 5 pupils from Chawton, St Matthew’s, Four Marks, The Butts, Ropley, Bentley, Medstead, Andrews’ Endowed and Crondall primary schools formed a mass choir to perform four songs.

Eggar’s transition lead Emily Thomas said: “They’ve been singing all day, had a chance for some fresh air on the astro, and then they’re performing two concerts as there are so many of them. There will be 150 parents at each so the hall will be bursting at the seams.”

Headteacher Sarah Holman added: “There is nothing more joyous and uplifting than hearing voices in unison. I’m delighted to get all these children together and welcome our community.”

Gospel singer and choir leader Tim Uffindell led them through two warm-up songs, Hold Your Head Up Together and Bella Mama, before they sang two they had learned especially for the event, Love Where You Live and Shackles.

Tim Uffindell coached The Big Sing Choir, October 22nd 2026.
Tim Uffindell coached The Big Sing Choir. (Iliffe Media/Paul Coates)

The Big Sing began in 2012 but this was the first time that Tim had coached the choir.

He said: “I got involved this year because my mother is one of the teachers here and I offered a session to the school because I think it is very important to get children singing together.

“The power of music and the power of togetherness are very important, so they asked me to help run the day. There are 277 kids from nine primary schools getting together for an amazing singing experience and they’re crushing it.

“It’s great that over the course of the day you see the kids who start off not wanting to be there then realising they can relax and have fun in this space. They get to sing on a big stage with fancy lighting but it’s also a nice intimate venue where every parent can see their child perform.

“The school’s three words are belong, aspire and achieve. The children can belong to the biggest choir they’ve ever sung in, aspire to be great and achieve something special. Trying something new and pushing themselves to be the best they can be in a great environment is really lovely.”