Sing, smile, connect with Wantage Sings 

Round & About

The Wantage Sings team invite you to join them for music & community

January can feel like a long, grey stretch, but there is one simple, joyful remedy that science keeps coming back to: singing. Studies suggest that singing in a choir gives a genuine boost to your mood and may even release happy hormones.  

Dr Michael Mosley once noted that singing together for just one hour could help support the immune system. Other research shows that group singing increases oxytocin, the social bonding hormone that reduces stress and helps explain why joining a choir can feel like an instant ice-breaker. 

Speak to anyone at Wantage Sings and you will hear the same story over and over again. Here are some comments from those who have: 

“Wantage Sings feels like a family where you meet and make lovely friends.” 

“Singing with Wantage Sings is good for unwinding after a long day at work.” 

“I joined this year and have been made to feel so welcome.” 

“I enjoy learning songs and performing on stage, something I never thought I would do.” 

“Even on the days when I don’t feel like going, I always leave rehearsal feeling much better.” 

This sense of belonging lies at the heart of Wantage Sings, a vibrant community choir open to anyone over 18 who simply loves singing. No auditions and no experience are needed. Just a warm hall, a friendly group of voices and the shared joy of making music. 

The choir meet every Wednesday, 7.30-10pm at Wantage Methodist Hall in Newbury Street. Rehearsals follow a chosen theme each season and build toward a performance with a live band. The balance of learning, performing and enjoying the social side of choir life is something members repeatedly celebrate. 

If you are curious, new faces are always welcome. Rehearsals for the June concert, Battle of the Bands, begin on Wednesday, 18th February, and anyone considering joining is encouraged to come along for a relaxed taster session. Before then, there’s another treat on the horizon. Wantage Sings will take to the stage at the end of January for a pair of feelgood concerts celebrating iconic movie music. On Friday, 30th January, at Steventon Village Hall and Saturday, 31st January, at Old Mill Hall in Grove, audiences will be treated to a soundtrack spectacular. Think Bond, Pitch Perfect, Top Gun, Twilight and more. It is a perfect pick-me-up for winter evenings. 

Tickets are £10pp or £8 for concessions. The doors and bar will open at 7pm, with performances starting at 7.30pm. 

Whether you want to beat the winter blues, try something new in 2026, or simply enjoy brilliant live music, Wantage Sings offers exactly what the science promises: community, connection and a welcome lift in spirit.