When you mix a steam railway, a community choir, and a healthy dose of chaos, you get one thing: pure joy.

During the last weekend of September, Zest Tone Deaf Choir (our brilliantly bonkers bunch of singers) brought their full-hearted energy to Avon Valley Railway in Bitton — and what a day it was! Passengers expecting a quiet cup of tea and a scone were instead treated to an impromptu concert filled with laughter, enthusiasm, and notes that definitely existed somewhere on the musical scale.

We sang our little hearts out on the platform as the vintage trains rolled by, filling the air with steam, song, and a few brave harmonies. Some people stopped to listen, some joined in, and others just smiled in that “bless them, they’re trying” kind of way — and honestly, that’s exactly the spirit of Zest.

I (Mary) had the added joy of performing twice that day — first with my fabulous Avon Harmony A Cappella group, and then again with Zest. It was a quick costume change and a total gear shift from polished a cappella to gloriously imperfect community singing, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Days like this remind me why I do what I do. Whether it’s a professional performance or a group of self-confessed “tone-deaf” singers, it’s about connection, confidence, and creating moments that make people smile.

The trains may have provided the rhythm, but Zest brought the heart — and the occasional surprise key change!

If your event could use a little extra joy (and you’re not afraid of a few rogue notes), you know who to call.

Zest Choir!

From ‘Tone Deaf’ to Standing Ovation – Zest Choir Lights Up Warmley Flower Show

It was a sea of sunshine colours and smiling faces as over 40 members of Zest Choir took to the stage at the Warmley Flower Show on Saturday 2nd August.

Our singers – from both Headley Park and Longwell Green – brought an explosion of bright yellows, vivid pinks, fiery oranges and lime greens to match the warm summer vibes. For many, it was their first time singing in public since school, but that didn’t stop them from stepping up with confidence (and maybe a few butterflies in the stomach).

At Zest Choir, we welcome everyone – including those who’ve been told they’re “tone deaf”. We believe singing is for everyone, and performances like this prove it. With our trademark mix of warmth, humour and encouragement, those early nerves quickly disappeared once the music began.

The audience needed little persuasion to join in. From the very first song, there was clapping, smiling and singing along, creating that magical connection between performers and crowd. By the finale, the atmosphere was electric – and some of our singers even received a standing ovation.

It was more than just a performance – it was a celebration of courage, community and the simple joy of singing together.

🎥 Watch the highlights on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Z9U3tnlHdwU?si=cPRHddXguMQl_5IN

Warmley Flower Show was just the start – and we’re already looking forward to our next singout. Whether you’ve sung all your life or haven’t sung since school, we’d love you to be part of it.