At ChoirBLAST, we’ve always believed in the transformative power of music.
From sparking joy to building bonds, group singing has a magic all of its own - it brings people together like nothing else.
Since our very first event in 2023, our mission has grown - but our heart hasn't changed: we’re here to spread the joy of singing far and wide, welcoming everyone, no matter their background, experience, or ability.
And now? We're turning up the volume.
We're proud to be a registered charity - ready to reach even more people, break down more barriers, and make group singing truly open to all
Registered Charity Number: 1210483
Our mission
As a charity, everything we do centres around one simple idea: music belongs to everyone.
​
Sharing the joy of music
Whether you’re a lifelong singer or someone who’s only ever belted tunes in the shower,
we believe that everyone deserves the chance to sing. That’s why we’re bringing choirs into
schools, workplaces, care homes and community spaces — because the magic of singing
together should be something everyone can experience.​
​
Creating connection through inclusivity
Music knows no boundaries — and neither do we. From toddlers to retirees, from seasoned
performers to complete beginners, from every background and walk of life — we welcome
all voices. Our mission is to create spaces where people feel seen, supported, and part of
something bigger.
​
Championing performance and learning
We love a good show — and we want to give singers and choirs chances to shine. From big
stages to community showcases, we’re here to celebrate the joy of live performance. But
we’re also thinking long-term: by supporting and training the next generation of choir
leaders, we’re planting seeds for the future.
Our impact
Our reach is incredibly diverse, a cross-community group whose common interest brings them together despite any differences in age, gender, background or language.
10,000+
Festival visitors in 2025
100+
Choirs connected to the festival
90+
Community choir singers per week
Our objectives
We'e here to make music more than a moment — we want it to be a lifelong love, a
community connector, and something everyone can enjoy.
Championing music education
We believe that understanding and appreciating music — especially the magic of singing
together — can change lives. Whether it’s through joyful performances, hands-on
workshops, or local choirs, we’re here to help people fall in love with music and learn as
they go.
​
Making music accessible for all
Music shouldn’t be a luxury. We’re committed to creating spaces where people can
experience the joy of music for fun, for connection, for comfort — whoever they are,
whatever their story.
That means reaching those who need it most: the young, the elderly, those facing
challenges with health, mobility, or money. Because everyone deserves to sing.​​
Why this matters
Becoming a charity isn’t just a label — it’s our launchpad. It means we can dream bigger, do
more, and bring even more voices into the ChoirBLAST family. Here’s how we’re turning that
into action:
Starting choirs where they’re needed most
From school halls to staff rooms, care homes to community hubs — we’re creating choirs
that bring people together. Each one is a joyful, welcoming space where singing sparks
connection, confidence, and community.​​
​
Giving everyone a voice
We believe music should be shared, not segregated. We’re building performance spaces
where people of all abilities can sing side by side — proving that diversity isn’t a challenge to
overcome, it’s the beauty of what we do.​​​
​
Training the leaders of tomorrow
We’re not just building choirs — we’re building leaders. By training the next generation of
choir leaders, we’re making sure the joy of group singing keeps growing, long into the
future.
​
​
ChoirBLAST donations are dedicated to bringing singing to people of all backgrounds, through creating choirs and events within the community.
ChoirBLAST choirs
With our new charity status, ChoirBLAST is even more committed to making a difference through the power of contemporary choral music. Our charitable objectives are focused on two key areas:
-
We aim to foster public appreciation and participation in the art of music—particularly group singing—by creating choirs and offering opportunities to perform at public events. This is about more than just singing; it’s about building confidence, joy, and community through music.
-
We’re dedicated to creating opportunities where people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds can come together to enjoy the art of music. Whether it’s through choirs in schools, charities, or care homes, we want to ensure that everyone has the chance to experience the life-changing power of group singing.
ChoirBLAST Trustees
_edited.jpg)
Phoebe Gaydon
Chair
Phoebe’s love for music started at a young age, sparked when a music teacher in Singapore recognised her singing talent. She went on to perform across the country, and though musical theatre was a major influence, jazz became her true passion. Phoebe graduated with a First Class Honours Degree from Goldsmiths University, where she met her husband, Matt, in a band, and their shared love of music and teaching grew from there. Teaching is Phoebe’s true passion—she loves helping her students progress and seeing them thrive. Outside of music, you’ll find her running through the streets of Godalming and fundraising for local charities. Phoebe is the founder and director of A Touch of Musicality, where she teaches vocals, piano, songwriting, and music theory, and arranges all the music for multiple choirs.
.jpeg)
Annabelle Lawrence
Trustee
With over 20 years of experience in marketing and events, Belle brings a strategic approach to event promotion, sponsor attraction, and audience engagement. Belle has been part of choir life with Phoebe for many years and now performs with Farncombe Jazz Choir. Singing has always been in her blood, with many family members sharing the same love for music. She’s graced the stage in Fame at The Wimbledon Theatre, performed as part of a 50’s band at Ce Roc’s national event in Weston-Super-Mare, and even sung in a selected children’s choir at The Royal Albert Hall—plus, she’s a karaoke enthusiast! Volunteering in the arts is a big part of Belle’s life. She spent several years leading marketing at The Nomad Theatre, where she produced pantomimes and the popular Surrey Showcase event alongside James Pearce & Brooklands Radio.
Jo Fox
Treasurer
Jo has built a dynamic career as a Chartered Accountant, working across multiple industries and bringing financial expertise to a range of organisations. Alongside her corporate work, she is a dedicated yoga teacher and therapist, passionate about promoting well-being. Currently, Jo serves as Chair of the Board for a financial services company and holds two additional Non-Executive Director roles. She is also a Trustee of Godalming Town FC, where she previously served as Treasurer. Music, dance, and singing have been lifelong passions for Jo, and she continues to embrace the joy of music through the Farncombe Jazz Choir and Rock Choir. Since 2018, she has been honing her vocal skills through singing lessons, celebrating the power of song to uplift and connect.
Philip Beck
Secretary
Phil is a passionate and committed singer who began his musical journey in 2012 and joined the ATOM choir in 2017. His love for music expanded further in 2021 when he started learning to play the piano. With a rich and varied career, Phil has travelled to over 70 countries, gaining a deep understanding of different cultures and backgrounds. This global perspective has been shaped by his extensive professional experiences, including his time as a senior consultant in the oil industry, where he held several senior management roles and directorships. Phil’s expertise also spans negotiations, commercial agreements, financing, and international relations, skills he developed during his earlier career as a petroleum engineer working in both onshore and offshore field operations.
Caroline Swaisland-Dyke
Trustee
Caroline is currently Head of Sixth Form English at a secondary school in Guildford, where she teaches linguistics, literature, and media. Her passion for education extends across all subjects, and she brings a wealth of experience as a small business owner in the arts. Caroline has owned and been principal of two local dance schools, where she has taught children and adults alike, as well as training teachers for professional examinations. Caroline’s love for music and singing has been a constant in her life, and for the past four years, she has been a proud member of the ATOM choirs. She is now training as a singing teacher with Phoebe, excited to deepen her knowledge and share the joy of singing with others.