MICHELLE MCMANUS AND MUSICHOIR HIT THE RIGHT CHORD AS THEY LAUNCH ‘SCOTLAND SINGS’

Singing sensation Michelle McManus and Musichoir surprised shoppers with an impromptu busking session in Glasgow today, Monday 29 October, to promote Scotland Sings – part of the Scotland’s Winter Festivals programme.

Michelle and her group of backing vocalists belted out a medley of tunes on Buchanan Street to mark the launch of the new initiative, designed to encourage people to sing in public between 30th November and 2nd December in celebration of St Andrew’s Day.

The three-day event will see a series of singing events take place across Scotland, in locations including Edinburgh, Perth, Paisley, Glasgow, Dundee, Largs and St Abbs. People of all ages, backgrounds and vocal talent are being encouraged to get involved, with the aim of getting the whole of Scotland singing.

Michelle McManus, winner of the 2003 series of the television show Pop Idol – who also sang for the Pope during his 2010 UK visit, said, “Scotland Sings is a fantastic initiative and I’m delighted to be part of it. I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it wasn’t for singing and I can’t encourage people enough to take it up – even if you you’re no Beyoncé! You don’t have to have an amazing voice to enjoy the experience of being part of a choir or singing group.”

She added: “Singing has loads of benefits and is a brilliant way to cheer yourself up, to make friends and to have some fun. I’d really urge people to get involved with Scotland Sings and to grab a friend, your boyfriend or Mum, and sign up to an event in your area. It’s going to be fantastic!”

Supported by EventScotland and Creative Scotland, Scotland Sings is coordinated by ‘Hands Up for Trad’, the organisers of The MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards and BBC Radio Scotland Young Trad Musician of the Year.

Simon Thoumire, Creative Director of Hands Up for Trad, said “Scotland Sings will celebrate and present Scotland’s rich singing traditions in a truly unique way. We’re hoping people throughout Scotland will get involved to help establish Scotland as a singing nation, whether that be through getting together with friends for a sing-a-long, starting a band, joining a choir or signing up to a community singing group. The beauty of this project is that all you need is a voice and a sense of fun to get involved.”

Humza Yousaf, Minister for External Affairs and International Development, said: “Scotland’s Winter Festivals brings together some of our most important cultural celebrations.

“The programme for 2012/13 offers a spectacular mix of traditional and unusual events that will showcase Scotland’s rich creativity. With such a variety of events on offer, there will be something for everyone to enjoy no matter where they are in the country.”

To find out more about Scotland Sings events taking place in your area please visit: www.scotlandsings.co.uk

To take part in Scotland Sings please contact: scotlandsings@handsupfortrad.co.uk

For further information about the Winter Festivals programme please visit: www.scotland.org/winter

ENDS OCTOBER, 2012
For further media information, images or interviews please contact: Claire Morrison | claire@wire-media.co.uk | T: (0141) 400 6761 M: 07814 592 120
NOTES TO EDITORS:
• Scotland’s Winter Festivals begin with St Andrew’s Day on 30th November and include Christmas, Scotland’s Hogmanay celebrations on 31st December, culminating with Burns night on 25th January.
• Find out more about celebrating Scotland’s Winter Festivals at www.scotland.org/winter.
• Funded by the Scottish Government, Scotland’s Winter Festivals are delivered by the national events agency EventScotland, part of VisitScotland.
• St Andrew’s Day is a time for everyone with a Scottish connection to celebrate Scotland’s people and history, as well as our traditional and contemporary culture and our fabulous food and drink
• As the nation gears up for St Andrew’s Day, more of Scotland’s best-loved visitor and leisure attractions than ever before are embracing the celebrations by offering free or discounted offers to the public across the country
• Make the most of St Andrew’s day, part of Scotland’s Winter Festivals, by joining in the events and celebrations across the country.
• You can find event and visit for free activities taking place across Scotland at: www.scotland.org/winter
• Like us at www.facebook.com/standrewsday or follow us on www.twitter.com/standrewsday