PUPILS from 50 schools across Worcestershire will be given the chance to sing with other youngsters from around the globe at the UK’s first non-competitive choral festival.

Students are being invited to sing alongside 500 young singers from 11 other choirs from countries such as Hong Kong, Lithuania and Russia at the Worcestershire International Festival of Young Singers (WIFYS).

They will be taking part in singing workshops and street performances throughout Worcester city and the county in July.

WIFYS’ artistic director, Malcolm Goldring, said: “Imagine how special it will be for these local students to be able to spend a week singing together and making friends from as far afield as Hong Kong and the Czech Republic.

“There will be a lot of amazing singing and a lot of laughter and friendships forged.”

Pershore High School has worked with Festival organisers SingUK on numerous singing projects and is keen to encourage its students to apply to sing at WIFYS.

Helen Witherick, head of the training school and former head of music, said: “As a school, we are huge fans of SingUK, and in fact put singers in to most of their concerts, including the recent one in Worcester Cathedral.

“The idea of bringing lots of young singers together is fantastic from educational, cultural and social viewpoints and we are keen to encourage any of our students to get involved where they can.

“The fact that WIFYS will be held here in our home county makes it even more meaningful for our students and young singers. What a wonderful experience to be part of.”

WIFYS runs in Worcester between Friday, July 19 and Saturday, July 27.

For more information and a full programme of events, go to singuk.org/wifys.