Choristers at Leicester undertake Covid tests so they can sing together again.
Choristers at Leicester Cathedral will undertake Covid tests this Sunday to allow them to all sing together for the first time since lockdown – thanks to the University of Loughborough.
Leicester Cathedral Choir will sing again – thanks to on the day Covid testing
The University of Loughborough has offered its Covid testing facility to the full choir. These quick lateral flow Covid tests (used to test students before they could return home for Christmas) will be provided free of charge to members of the choir on the morning of Sunday 20th December.
This testing reduces the risk of Covid transmission. The choir will be tested in bubbles and additional Covid safety precautions will be applied. This will include using singing screens purchased by a grant from the Arts Council Covid Cultural Recovery Fund.
The Dean of Leicester, the very Revd David Monteith said:
“I suspect a tear will come to my eye seeing and hearing the Cathedral Choir in full voice again.
“Without this testing we could not have accommodated the full choir but this will allow our boys, girls and adults to sing together for the first time since March.
“Partnerships make our life possible in Leicester Cathedral. We are immensely grateful to Loughborough University enabling music to ring once more this Christmas from our rafters and fill our cathedral with joy and celebration as we celebrate together this Christmas after such a challenging year.
Professor Robert Allison, Vice Chancellor of Loughborough University said
‘We are delighted to put our Covid testing facility to good use in the wider community as our university serves our city and county. I am so looking forward to hearing the Cathedral Choir gladden our hearts once again”.
Tickets are free but must be booked to maintain social distance for the three carol services this Sunday 20th December at 2.30pm, 5.00pm and 7.30pm.
Full details available from the Leicester Cathedral website here.
