Newport Charity Project Seeks 1000 Children!

The single will be recorded in a live day-long session and will be made available for purchase both digitally and physically. As well as the single, local film students will be making an accompanying Don’t Give Up! music video, which will feature footage of the children, local landmarks and Tenovus’ charity work. The single will be launched in a live performance at Tredegar House, Newport, on March 6th 2010, where the 1000 children will sing Don’t Give Up! for the public, the Mayor of Newport and other local dignitaries, and the media. Finally, the song will be entered into the UK singles chart.

The aim of the project is to raise both awareness of cancer and vital funds for Tenovus, while increasing the profile of Newport in the run up to the Ryder Cup 2010. Both Tenovus and the choir look forward to the event at The Celtic Manor Resort next year, which is on the choir’s doorstep. Profits from the single will be donated directly to Tenovus, with sponsorship sought to cover vital expenses such as recording and distribution.

Claudia McVie, Chief Executive of Tenovus said: “Tenovus is thrilled to get so many young people involved in supporting its vital work in South East Wales. With cancer rates in Wales 19% higher than in England, there has never been a more urgent need for communities to get together and raise money and awareness.”

From September 2009, all children between the ages of 8 and 18 across Newport will have the opportunity to get involved in the Don’t Give Up! project by joining the new Côr Casnewydd, which is all-inclusive and completely non-selective (no audition and no experience necessary). Choir Director and Don’t Give Up! composer, Emma Rowland, added: ‘I am thrilled that Côr Casnewydd is able to use its position in the community to assist with such a valuable cause as Tenovus. I am hopeful that Newport will come together to support this project and that we can both raise awareness of the effects of cancer and a good deal of money for the cause, while raising the profile our of city in 2010, our Ryder Cup year.’

Côr Casnewydd rehearsals will take place on a Friday evening, from 4.30pm – 6.00pm at the Riverfront Theatre from September 11th. Anyone who is interested in being part of the Don’t Give Up! project should visit www.corcasnewydd.co.uk, call 07531 150199 or email info@corcasnewydd.co.uk for more information.

Côr Casnewydd is a partnership between Newport Arts Development and the Joyce Marshall Academy of Performing Arts.