Last updated at 22:04, Thursday, 04 March 2010

BARROVIANS should be warming up their voices as the town is about to get its very own anthem.

The Bay and the Evening Mail are teaming up with schools to create the first ever Song for Barrow.

We are asking primary school pupils and their teachers to step forward and take their place in history by working with us to write and perform a powerful song which instills civic pride in Barrow.

The song will tell a story about Barrow, and its catchy lyrics and music will have the whole town humming the words for years to come.

The winning song with be professionally produced and recorded with sessions singers and musicians working with the children every step of the way.

The victorious song will be played on The Bay radio station and the winning school are also set to take centre stage at the Love Barrow Awards in March to perform their rousing song live.

We will be writing to primary schools in Barrow borough very soon to give more details about the competition and asking them to register their interest.

Teacher packs will be sent out to interested schools giving a brief and tips for recording their song.

Bill Johnston, managing director of The Bay said: “I am sure this will be a very successful initiative and the end product will be a community anthem that will be broadcast on The Bay for many years to come.

“We will be working with the industry’s best and this is a wonderful prize and project for the kids to be involved in.

“I am in talks with interested partners and supporters, we are also seeking sponsorship for this project.”

There is already much excitement about Song for Barrow in the community.

Barrow County Councillor Anne Burns, lead member and portfolio holder for Children’s Social Care on Cumbria County Council, said: “I think this is absolutely wonderful. It is a super idea getting young people involved in this project and being proud of their town.

“We have an amazing musical talent in our schools and community.

“I think schools will jump at this opportunity.

“Art projects are so important, it opens up a brand new world for children.

“It is a way of expressing themselves, building confidence and mixing with others.”

Mayor of Barrow, Councillor Dorothy Dawes, said: “It sounds like a very good idea, anything which gets children involved is very good. It is giving people pride in their town and that is very positive.

“There is a lot of musical talent here, you only have to go to the amateur shows to see.

“The song will have to be catchy and singable for all. People have really taken to Love Barrow, I’m sure they will with this too.”

Cllr Burns and Cllr Dawes said they are both looking forward to hearing the schools’ Song for Barrow entries.

Any schools wanting to show their interest now can email Evening Mail education reporter, Natalie Chapples on natalie.chapples@nwemail.co.uk

First published at 13:09, Tuesday, 22 September 2009
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk