The Meath Backstage Choir – Voices Without Barriers

When the first notes of ChoirBLAST Festival 2025 rang out across Godalming, it was The Meath Backstage Choir who set the tone - joyful, heartfelt, and full of energy. Their performance didn’t just open the festival; it opened hearts.

The Meath Choir at ChoirBLAST Festival 2025

Based at The Meath Epilepsy Charity in Godalming, the choir is made up of people living with complex epilepsy and associated disabilities. Led for several years by ChoirBLAST’s own Phoebe, their weekly rehearsals are a blend of singing, Makaton signing, movement, and laughter. It’s more than music - it’s a safe space to connect, express, and shine.

The Meath Choir has a full and exciting calendar, with several significant performances each year. These include the charity’s fundraising carol service at St Clement Danes in London and more recently at The Grange Opera. Their appearances are always marked by warmth, authenticity, and the sheer joy of sharing music together.

As one Meath Choir put it: “singing is a lifeline to me and my friends,” a simple phrase that captures the spirit of the group better than any press release ever could.

Phoebe reflects on her years with the choir: “Music is a creative outlet, but here it’s also about belonging. It’s a privilege to watch these voices grow stronger, braver, and more confident.”

Siobhan (Bon) is the perfect embodiment of what our Meath choir is all about - joy, connection and the sheer power of music. She’s been part of the choir since the very beginning, bringing her warmth and enthusiasm to every rehearsal. Bon spends her life in a wheelchair and is blind, but when she sings, she lights up the room: fully present, passionate, and surrounded by friends who adore her. She can hear the applause, feel the energy of the audience, and she knows just how many people are moved by her performances.

For Siobhan, these sessions are more than just singing. They’re a celebration of what she can achieve and share. A strong and intelligent young woman, she understands the deep impact music has both on her and on those who sing beside her. As she puts it:

“Singing is the single best thing I do every week. Without it, I can’t imagine how different things would be.”

The Meath Choir reminds us all that music knows no barriers, only invitations to join in.