I have been a member of Love Soul Choir since the Bournemouth group launched nearly nine years ago. I have had the opportunity to sing in some amazing venues such as The Pavillion and O2 in Bournemouth and Mayflower Theatre and O2 Guildhall in Southampton to name but a few. However, there has always been one place that I have always wanted to sing  at – The Bandstand in Bournemouth Gardens.

The first time I walked through the gardens and saw a band performing there I thought wouldn’t it be great to sing up there with Love Soul. When I got the email about performing at this years ‘Arts by the Sea Festival’ on the bandstand I signed up immediately. ‘Yes’ we are finally getting to sing on the bandstand.

Leading up to the day there were torrential downpours of rain and I worried that we would have a wash out like last years ‘Arts by the Sea Festival’. As I made my way to Bournemouth on the morning of the performance the sun was shining and there was a nice little crowd sitting in front of the Bandstand.

We made our way on to the stage and we could see a few people sitting on the grass and a few people lingering on the path wondering whether to stay and listen. Our first track came on and we started our set and the crowd grew and grew. The pathway was blocked, people in the flats opposite came out to sit and watch. The people eating in the restaurant stood up to get a better view. 

There were lots of people dancing and copying our dance routines. Children shouting the ‘heys’ with us on ‘Counting Stars’. It was a magical half hour and has to go down as my favourite performance, ever. I knew performing on the Bandstand would be special but didn’t anticipate that.

If you are thinking about joining Love Soul Choir just do it. Love Soul Choir has fulfilled many of my life goals and is still doing so.

Lorna O’Brien
(Bournemouth Member)

If you’d like to apply for an audition with Love Soul Choir, please visit the audition page on our website. Once you’ve sent your application to us, we’ll be in touch within a couple of days to schedule the time and place of your audition.