University Gospel Choir Make National Final

The University of Portsmouth Gospel Choir has plenty to sing about after making it to the finals of a national competition. The student group is one of eight finalists vying to be named University Gospel Choir of the Year in the annual contest, which celebrates the talents of more than 3,000 students across the UK. The shortlists comes as the choir – which has 82 members and regularly performs at weddings, funerals, conferences and other occasions – is preparing to celebrate its fifth anniversary. Choir secretary Lauren Haizel-Cobbina said: “Being given the opportunity to participate in such an uplifting event is a blessing. We are so happy to be involved that winning the competition would just be a bonus. “This is a milestone year for us, and we are planning to organise a number of celebrations to commemorate the choir’s growing success.” Portsmouth Gospel Choir will be performing live this Saturday at Golders Green Hippodrome in the competition finals, hosted by MOBO award winner Rachel Kerr. Back to defend their title this year are Leicester University Voices. The other finalists are: ACCF Choir Southampton, Canterbury Christ Church Gospel Choir, Coventry University Gospel Rhythms, Coventry University Gospel Rhythms, De Montfort University Gospel Choir, De Montfort University Student Choir, and Middlesex University Gospel Choir. For tickets go to http:///UGCY2016.eventbrite.co.uk. To find out more about Portsmouth Gospel Choir, go to or email [email protected].