SEVENTEEN competitors from across Reading have been chosen to compete in the Mayor’s Let’s Sing competition 2024 grand final.

For the first time this year, the Mayor of Reading, Cllr Tony Page’s, annual charity choir competition expanded to welcome applications from soloists, duets, and groups.

Returning to its home at the Hexagon again for 2024, the chosen Let’s Sing finalists will take to the stage on Tuesday March 26 to battle it out.

The contest is divided into two categories: junior and senior, with one winner being crowned in each. The Mayor will present the night’s overall champions with the coveted Let’s Sing trophies.

Competing in the Junior category are soloists: Aadya Yadav, Daniella De Freitas, and choirs: Reading School Choir, and The Hill Primary School Junior Choir.

Competing in the Senior category are soloists: Gazza, Summer Haverson, Alishia Stride, Charis Anne Luke, Chris McGowan, Martin Butler, and groups: The Project Singers, Weller Voices, Kryla (КРИЛА), Selina and the Howlin Dogs, Time to Sing, Avenue, and Vocalese.

A panel of judges, led by the Mayor, includes Countertenor Michael Harper, Mary Genis from Culturemix Arts, and Matt Foster from Reading Rock Academy.

Jonny Walker will host the evening proceedings, and the audience will also be treated to an exciting interval performance by Kalakunj.

Winners of the 2022 Pride of Reading Award for Cultural Contribution, Kalakunj are a Reading-based group promoting the rich cultural heritage of South Asian performing arts through the ancient classical dance form Bharatanatyam.