BIMM Birmingham Gospel Choir crowned at awards

We’re massively proud of the BIMM Birmingham Gospel Choir, who’ve recently won the University Gospel Choir of the Year title.

University Gospel Choir of the Year (UGCY) was founded back in 2011 by Lorraine Wright MBE and provides an opportunity for university gospel choirs from all over the UK to perform in front of top gospel music judges and a live audience.

This year’s judges include Karen Gibson MBE, founder of Kingdom Choir (BBC Songs of Praise Gospel Choir of the Year judge) Howard Francis, co-founder of the Big Sing, Anu Omideyi, music, festival and choir Director, Russell Scott, founder of UK Choir Fest and Becca Folkes, renowned singer/songwriter. The event was also hosted by MOBO Award-winning singer/songwriter and vocal coach Rachel Kerr.

The competitive element of UGCY made for a gripping experience from start to finish until BIMM Birmingham Gospel Choir were eventually crowned victorious. They beat out seven other university gospel choirs in this year’s finals, including last year’s winners Kent Gospel Choir.

UGCY Founder, Lorraine Wright, MBE commented:
“As always the UGCY was full of dancing, laughter and roaring cheers – along with a few surprises and tears – as the strongest performance emerged to be crowned the 2024 University Gospel Choir of the Year.”

BIMM Birmingham Associate Lecturer and Choirmaster Jerome Bucknor had this to say:
“The choir has been active for two and a half years and we have been blessed with many professional opportunities where students can put their learning to practice. However, more importantly, it has provided a safe place for students, where many refer to the group as ‘home.’ Winning UGCY has already started opening doors and we are excited to see where this next chapter takes us.”

Lottie Blogg, President of BIMM Birmingham Gospel Choir added:
“We’re all still on such a high from the competition. We worked so hard putting the whole performance together. After our performance, we said even if we didn’t win we were just so happy with the judges’ comments and we’re all so proud of each other. But we won! Now it’s time to up our game for next year and work just as hard.”

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