The Sing Thing pop-up group launched in Westhoughton pubs

The Sing Thing started last month as a pop-up event around pubs in Westhoughton, aiming to encourage people to sing as a group.

Sandra Scattergood, a freelance music teacher for over 20 years, said she started it after being inspired to bring to adults what she teaches kids in school.

She said: “I always wanted to give adults the opportunity to sing, but without the formality of making it a choir, which can put people off.

“Having it in a pub or bar was crucial just to make it a bit more relaxed and a no pressure environment.

“There’s no charge to encourage people to give it a try, but people can donate if they like it.”

Sandra Scattergood (Image: Alex Critchley)

The 56-year-old said the group currently meets twice a month – once at Bytes and once at Brewery Tap – but she hopes to eventually expand to even more venues.

When she held it in Bytes, she wasn’t sure how many would come because it’s usually closed on a Tuesday – but 25 people showed up.

Sandra said: “So many people are looking for something different, maybe those who wouldn’t normally go to a pub to socialise.

The Sing Thing launched last month to encourage people to sign their hearts out in a relaxed environment (Image: Alex Critchley)

“It’s something to do rather than just going for a drink.

“Particularly in Westhoughton where there’s a vibrant music scene.”

She said many of the pubs and bars host live music in the town and it was through open mic nights at the two bars that she got in touch to talk to them about hosting.

The Sing Thing was first held at Bytes on Tuesday, February 10, and then at Brewery Tap the next Wednesday, February 18.

Sandra said the group will meet on the second Tuesday of every month and then Wednesday the following week.

They sing contemporary pop, rock and indie songs before Sandra will challenge them with a two, or three, part harmony – and she said the group has already smashed it.

The group sings contemporary pop, rock and indie songs (Image: Alex Critchley)

She said: “Even the ones who said, ‘I’ll come but I’m not going to sing, I’ll have a pint and listen’ – every single one ended up joining in.

“The quality of the singing is absolutely amazing as well – absolutely brilliant – it’s amazing that with a little bit of musical direction can give people the confidence to sing.”

Sandra is hoping the group can eventually get big enough to perform at a bigger venue, where the audience will be “providing the entertainment”.

Sandra Scattergood (Image: Alex Critchley)

She said: “There’s so many people who love music and who love singing, but have nowhere to do it.”

More details about The Sing Thing can be found by following their Facebook and Instagram pages at @TheSingThing.

Both venues are dog friendly and you can join in tonight (March 10) from 7pm until 8.30pm at Bytes and next Wednesday, March 18, at Brewery Tap.