Published: 07 August 2024

A Charity Choir ‘Sing-Off’ has continued to raise funds for an all-Wales charity by raising an incredible £18,500 over the years.

Bluestone Brewing Company, which is based in Cilgwyn, North Pembrokeshire, hosted their annual fundraiser which saw six local choirs compete against each other. The one night fundraiser was in aid of the Wales Air Ambulance and this year’s charity choir ‘Sing-off’ raised £3,124 for the lifesaving cause.

The choir ‘Sing-off’ has gained a reputation for being a fun and lively community event and this year was no different.

Aberystwyth-based choir, Elinor Powell’s Sgarmes, were crowned Bluestone Brewing Co Choir of the Year after a successful evening.

They were thrilled to be voted the best choir by the four-strong judging panel after performing in front of a packed audience of around 200 people.

The popular event saw six choirs performing two songs each. The evening was compèred by stand-up comedian Steffan Evans, who gave his time free of charge to support the fundraiser.

Wales Air Ambulance is consultant-led, taking hospital-standard treatments to the patient and, if required, transferring them directly to the most appropriate hospital for their illness or injury. For the patient, this can mean hours saved when compared to standard care and is proven to greatly improve survival and early recovery.    

It is delivered via a unique Third Sector and Public Sector Partnership. The Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) supplies highly skilled NHS consultants and critical care practitioners who work on board the Charity’s vehicles.   

Hannah Bartlett, Wales Air Ambulance Supporter Engagement Manager, said: “Thank you to Bluestone Brewing Company for holding yet another successful choir ‘Sing-off’ event and for raising more than £3,000 for our lifesaving cause.  Your continued support over the years has not gone unrecognised.

“Our Charity truly appreciates the £18,500 that you have donated to us. Every year we need to raise £11.2 million pounds, and with your support we can continue to serve the people of Wales when they need us most, by air or by road. Thank you so much for your continued loyalty and support.”

The eco-friendly, award-wining micro-brewery and events venue is the first brewery in the world to be given the Green Key Accreditation, an international award that recognises environmentally sustainable businesses.

Emily Hutchinson, director of Bluestone Brewing Company, said: “We look forward to the charity choir competition every year, it's always a really fun, community event. Our donation is only possible with the support from all of the choirs, compere, judges, caterer, bar staff and audience, we are very grateful for the continued support we receive from our local community. We know how important the Wales Air Ambulance is, especially in rural areas like ours, and we look forward to continuing our fundraising over the next few years.”

As a pan-Wales service, the dedicated air ambulance crews, regardless of where they are based, will travel the length and breadth of the country to deliver emergency lifesaving care.