Live The Beat to appear on Songs of Praise

We're delighted to share that the Sankofa Songsters, led by our very own Amanda Wrigley, will be featured on BBC Songs of Praise on Sunday 28 June in a special programme celebrating faith, community and the power of bringing generations together.

When the BBC visited Belong Chester, they experienced first-hand the joy, connection and hope that flourish when people of all ages sing, learn and grow alongside one another. Featured in the programme are the Sankofa Songsters – our wonderful intergenerational choir which brings together Belong residents, children from the integrated Ready Generations Nursery, pupils from Hoole CE Primary School and members of the wider community.

With singers ranging in age from just two years old to 102, the choir beautifully demonstrates how music can unite generations. During filming, the Songsters performed 'Let Your Light Shine' and 'Hope', inspiring songs written by Virginia Kettle of Stay Curious, celebrating light, resilience and community.

For Live The Beat, the Sankofa Songsters are about much more than singing. Every session creates opportunities for listening, learning and celebrating one another's experiences. Music becomes a shared language that builds confidence in children, gives purpose for older people and creates genuine friendships across generations.

The programme also explores faith as a source of hope, belonging and connection. These themes resonate strongly with the choir's ethos, where every voice is valued and everyone is welcomed, regardless of age or background.

Amanda says:

"It's such a privilege to work alongside Belong Chester, Ready Generations Nursery, Hoole CE Primary School and our wonderful community members. The Sankofa Songsters show what's possible when we intentionally bring generations together."

The episode of BBC Songs of Praise will be broadcast on BBC One on Sunday 28 June at 1.15pm.

We hope you'll tune in and celebrate the power of music and friendship across the generations with us.

Read more from our friends at Belong here