TV star choirmaster to conduct 100 festival-goers

Music fans at a major festival have been invited to join a celebrity choirmaster in a performance on the main stage.

Gareth Malone previously organised a choir of 150 at Latitude at Henham Park near Southwold, Suffolk in 2015.

This year he will conduct 100 attendees on the final day of the festival, which is expected to welcome more than 40,000 people between 24 and 27 July.

The 49-year-old, best known for appearing on BBC Two's The Choir, said returning to Latitude felt "incredibly special".

He said: "I can't wait to work with a brand-new group of voices and create something extraordinary together.

"This is truly a one-time-only performance - a celebration of unity, music, and the incredible atmosphere of Latitude."

The choir, which will be created "entirely on-site", will be rehearsed over three days of the festival prior to the Sunday performance, starting with an initial meeting with Malone on Thursday, 24 July.

The choirmaster has previously led acclaimed musical projects including the Military Wives Choir, whose debut single topped the UK charts, and the All Star Choir's Wake Me Up for BBC Children in Need.

He was awarded an OBE in 2012 in recognition of his services to music and community.

Latitude's founder and managing director Melvin Benn said: "Gareth Malone's return to Latitude after a decade is something we are all eagerly anticipating.

"His ability to bring people together through music is unparalleled and we know that this performance will be a highlight of the festival."

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