Auditions are being held in Darwen for local people who want to sing solo on the second Begin2Sing single.
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The Take The Lead auditions will take place at Darwen School of Music on Bolton Road on Saturday 18 July.
Begin2Sing is the community project led by Darwen School of Music co-founder Paul Stuart Davies, who gives free vocal tuition to dozens of Darreners with little or no previous singing experience.
The new single, Shake Off The Rain, will feature solos from some of the local people who have taken part in the project over the past year.
Begin2Sing says it has helped many people aged between seven and 70 to build confidence singing in front of an audience, as well as using singing for wellbeing.
Paul Stuart Davies said: “Shake Off The Rain is a song I wrote 20 years ago that has been waiting for its purpose.
“It fits in really well with the Begin2Sing project and, similar to our first single, is an uplifting, gospel influenced pop song.
“This time the song is about second chances, lifting people through hard times and being there for others. It really resonates with things some of our Begin2Sing community have been dealing with.”
The chorus of Shake Off The Rain goes: “Time to shake off the rain, and dry your eyes / Take refuge in these arms of mine. / Come in where it’s safe and warm / And leave the storm behind.”
Anyone in Darwen who wants to audition for a solo line should email Paul Stuart Davies at begin2sing@mail.com as soon as possible.
Begin2Sing began almost a year ago and has been working with around 100 local people through monthly workshops at Sunbird Records in Darwen. The sessions cover three different age groups and are free.
The groups have already performed at a Begin2Sing showcase last December and at the finale of the Darwen School of Music showcase in April.
The first Begin2Sing single, also called Begin2Sing, was released worldwide on all major streaming platforms, featured on BBC regional television and reached number 23 on the iTunes Pop Chart after being performed to thousands of people at the 2025 Darwen Christmas lights switch-on event.
The project is funded by Blackburn with Darwen Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Councillor Quesir Mahmood, Executive Member for Growth and Development, said: “The success of Begin2Sing so far has been incredible – from dozens of local people finding their voice through the workshops, to the release of a single that truly celebrates Darwen’s community spirit.
“These auditions for a second single are a fantastic opportunity for even more residents to get involved, to showcase their talent and be part of something special.
“I’d encourage anyone who’s been inspired by the project so far to step forward and take part. We’re proud to support initiatives like this that put our communities on the map and highlight the creativity that exists right here in Blackburn with Darwen.”
More about the project is on the Begin2Sing Facebook page.
