Choirs from across the town will feature in a special set of programmes on Bolton FM, which is looking to explore the power of group singing through a series titled The Town That Sings.
The project began with the community station contacting every adult choir in the borough, resulting in more than 20 groups agreeing to take part in the upcoming broadcasts.
Bolton Choral Union (Image: Bolton FM)
John Ryan, station manager at Bolton FM, said: “It seems that singing is one of Bolton’s secret passions.
“One of the great strengths of community radio is that listeners and our volunteer broadcasters have the time and space to share their passions.
“We’re confident this series will resonate and shed fresh light on an important aspect of local life.”
Bolton Parish Church Choir (Image: Bolton FM)
Reasons for joining a choir varied among participants, with many citing camaraderie, meeting new friends, and improvement to physical and mental health.
The series is produced and presented by retired broadcast journalist John Beesley, who now sings with The Cottontown Chorus.
Mr Beesley said: “When I arrived here I was amazed by the sheer number and variety of singing groups.
Happy Voices (Image: Bolton FM)
“From community choirs to rock choirs, workplace choirs, a BSL signing choir, church singers, even a political choir, the enthusiasm seems boundless.”
While radio programmes have featured individual choirs before, Bolton FM believes this is the first time an entire urban area’s choir culture will be explored in detail.
The Town That Sings will begin airing at 4pm on Saturday, May 16.