Primary school pupils in fine voice making sweet music with Stockport Youth Orchestra

Composed by Tim Crooks and Charlie Perry, Stockport Songbook project, which runs until the end of March, has been funded as part of Stockport’s Town of Culture activities.

The songs, written with orchestration to be performed alongside Stockport Youth Orchestra, are based on the culture, history and geography of Stockport and includes nods to local landmarks and nature including the McVitie’s factory, as well as the Rivers Goyt and Tame.

Councillor Frankie Singleton, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture & Sport, said: "Stockport has such a rich musical history and as part of the Town of Culture Stockport Sounds strand we are able to showcase such wonderfully talented young singers and musicians who highlighting some of the diverse landmarks and areas of the borough."

The project is in full flow, with three Stockport primary schools, Warren Wood, Prospect Vale and Cale Green, taking part in workshops with singing coach Nicole Battick. The children love the songs that have been written by and for them. The project will culminate as they sing the works with Stockport Youth Orchestra at Stockport Academy on Friday 22 March at 7.45pm.

The schools will also then perform in the courtyard outside Stockport County FC’s box office, on Saturday 23 March at 4pm.

Mr Crooks, who is Musical Director at Stockport Youth Orchestra said: "It’s amazing to bring young people together with music, and to see them having so much fun. The arts can transform lives, and it’s brilliant that we can engage these young people with the power of music - thanks to Stockport Town of Culture, we are making this happen right now in our borough."

You can listen to the songs on the Stockport Songbook YouTube channel.

To find out more about Stockport Youth Orchestra visit its website.