Day 9 - Concert in the Park and Fun With Homestays
Singers and chaperones alike enjoyed the chance to sleep in after a busy few days, and the excitement of last night’s dance party hosted by the Sutton Coldfield Choir! After a slow morning, we all arrived at the massive Sutton Park to perform as part of a two-day festival featuring musical performances (including the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra), street theater, craft activities, and food trucks. One of the largest urban parks in Europe, Sutton Park sprawls across 2,400 acres of woodlands, marshes, and lakes, and was used as a deer hunting reserve beginning in the 9th century. The atmosphere was festive as around a thousand people spread out on the grass, eating, doing face-painting, and watching the musical performances on stage. Singers who had previously attended the Estonian Song Festival (Laulupidu) commented that this looked like a miniature version!
The weather was beautiful, sunny and in the 70s, although the high pollen count meant that our allergy sufferers were struggling! After a quick warm-up by one of the lakes, we headed out into the park to grab lunch at one of the food stands. Particular favorites were the mac and cheese, gourmet pizza, and BBQ chicken wraps – yummy! Stomachs full, we lay out on the grass to watch our homestays perform. They sang everything from a Disney medley to a Renaissance Ave Maria, and clearly had a great time doing so. We are hoping that they will be able to come join us for the Golden Gate Festival in 2018!
Next, it was our turn! We lined up and processed onto the massive open-air stage to boisterous chants of “USA!” from our homestays, who walked right up to the front to support us. Our 40-minute set feaured almost all of our repertoire, with everything from Aalloilla to Homeward Bound. The director of the Sutton Coldfield choir said he got goosebumps from Sue’s beautiful arrangement of Bells of Rhymney. Mia A. nailed the solo on Heliseb with poise, and of course our homestays gave a big cheer for Eric’s arrangement of Johnson Boys! Afterwards, the Sutton Coldfield choir joined us on stage for an emotional rendition of Somewhere from Wets Side Story.
The kids had a free evening with their homestays – more updates tomorrow. Aiden and Calin were looking forward to going to a trampoline park. Meanwhile, the chaperones enjoyed a leisurely meal with the conductors and board staff from the Sutton Coldfield choir. Looking forward to a concert in nearby Litchfield Cathedral tomorrow, and then westward to Wales!
Click through the slideshow below to view some highlights from today:
