Salvation Army’s International Staff Songsters to hit the high notes at special festival in South Shields

There is a rare chance to see an internationally-renowned choir in action this weekend.

The International Staff Songsters - the Salvation Army's leading choir - was founded 46 years ago, and believe that music and singing is a great way to share God's message and bring communities together.

The festival weekend also comes as the South Shields Salvation Army marks more than a quarter of a century serving the community from its current building in Wawn Street.

Captain Callum Newton, who leads the branch with his wife Emma, said: “We’re delighted to be hosting The International Staff Songsters. It's a big deal for us to have them visit because music has been such a huge part of South Shields Salvation Army for many years.

"George Marshall, one of The Salvation Army’s most prominent national bandmasters and music writers, was a bandmaster at South Shields, and we still have a thriving band and Songsters brigade (choir) here.

“It’s going to be a really entertaining weekend and an opportunity for the community to come together to experience the joy of music. They are a premier choir at the top of their game, who can be enjoyed by anyone and everyone.

"You don’t need to be a member of The Salvation Army to attend, and I’m sure that if you have an appreciation for music you’ll enjoy coming along and hearing them sing.”

The South Shields Songster Brigade and the band will join with the Staff Songsters to perform at the Sunday festival.

An active church and community hub, The Salvation Army has been in South Shields for more than 150 years, and in its current building for more than 25 years, serving people through a drop-in three times a week, a children’s programme with a parent and toddler group and children’s club, and through its music and worship meetings.

The ISS, which tours all over the world, sings hymns, classical songs and contemporary choral music from Salvation Army composers such as Richard Phillips and Stephen Pearson, and artists such as Dan Forrest, Ola Gjeilo, Mark Hayes and John Rutter.

The Saturday Festival will take place at Septimus Hall, Whitburn Church of England School, South Shields, at 7pm. Tickets are £12 for adults and free for children under 15. For tickets email [email protected]

On Sunday they will perform at Family Worship at 10.30am and at a Free Praise Festival at 2pm at The Salvation Army in Wawn Street.

For more information on South Shields Salvation Army visit https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/south-shields or search for them on Facebook.