The Belters Choir's 'songs In the Tunnel'

The all-women Belters Choir will perform ‘Songs in the Tunnel’ in the 19th century Park Tunnel on Derby Road on Saturday 9 September at 6pm to raise vital funds for independent homelessness charity Emmanuel House.

The outdoor concert will be a rare opportunity to see the Nottingham-based Belters Choir perform in a unique architectural setting. The a capella choir will perform a global repertoire of soulful music, from polyphonic harmonies of Eastern European and British folk, to the traditional and modern gospel sounds of the USA.

Rachel Foster, Choir Director, said: "The Belters Choir began as a small group of women with a desire to sing together. Pre-pandemic, the numbers gradually grew to over 40 people. 

“We are very happy to have reformed and bring our joy in singing together once more to The Park Tunnel, with its special acoustics. We hope that many people will join us and help us raise money to support Emmanuel House to do their essential work.”

The ‘doors’ will open at 5:30pm and the main performance will start at 6pm, which will include two 20-minute sets with a refreshment break. The Belters Choir will also be joined by special guest acoustic guitarist Karen Macleod. Tickets are £7 each and can be bought on arrival, by cash or card. 

The venue can be accessed via three entrances: through the car park on Derby Road next to St Joseph’s School, down the long steep steps at the corner of College Street and the Ropewalk, and from the east end of Tunnel Road in The Park. There is no parking in The Park except for Blue Badge holders.

No seating is provided and attendees are asked to bring a chair or cushion if they prefer not to stand. The concert will be under cover of The Park Tunnel, so the choir will perform rain or shine.

There will be a raffle, licensed bar and samosas, with all profits going to Emmanuel House. 

Rosie Needham-Smith, Marketing and Fundraising Officer at Emmanuel House, said: “We’re so grateful to the Belters Choir for choosing to fundraise for Emmanuel House with what is going to be a very special evening. We rely on the generosity of our community to keep providing essential services for people who are homeless. Thank you to everyone who has helped organised the event and for joining us in tackling homelessness in Nottingham.”

Rachel added: “I have long had a deep interest in harmony and it is a privilege and a pleasure to be part of this project. I bring to the group my knowledge from singing professionally and my enthusiasm for bringing people together. A unique bond is formed between these women of all ages and backgrounds, which makes Belters even more special."