A couple who have formed a choir “for people who can’t sing” have won the Sefton Diversity & Inclusion Award sponsored by Sefton Council at the 2026 Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards.
Diane and Byron Chapman, who run Southport Off-Key Choir, were presented with the accolade by Sefton Council Chief Executive Phil Porter at The Grand in Southport on Friday night (24th April 2026).
Every week, they give a warm welcome to dozens of people and encourage everyone to join in, lifting their spirits and putting smiles on everyone’s faces.
They started the choir eight years ago, after they retired from Scouting in 2017. After 15 years at the 62nd, they decided to take a different direction.
There were several nominations for this inspirational couple.
One nomination said: “Diane and Byron Chapman run a community choir for anybody who thinks they can’t sing. We have 75 members now with a waiting list!
“It’s a great mixture of people with disabilities too.
“Diane and Byron have given the joy of singing to many people. We have such a happy time once a week.
“They so deserve an award. And they only charge £2 a week.
“Diane and Byron have worked tirelessly for the last eight years to run a hugely successful, popular choir for people who can’t sing.
“Part of the Southport Off-Key Choir is formed of people with learning disabilities who are always warmly encouraged to join in. The fact of them coming back time after time is testament to this.
“Diand and Byron make sure the atmosphere is always fun for everyone, so even if you start feeling a bit down or negative, you can’t fail to leave feeling in a much better mood.
“Behind the scenes they work tirelessly to ensure every Wednesday’s practice is seamless.
“The inclusion and sheer diversity of the choir is to be celebrated – all are welcomed warmly. “From those who are terminally ill, those adults who struggle with socialisation or mobility are specially seated. Looked after adults are welcomed weekly.
“It’s such an accepting inclusive organisation that brings connectivity and weekly joy to many.”
Another nomination said: “Diane and Byron started a choir eight years ago for people who enjoy singing but feel they cannot sing.
“Singing is good for your mental health and after an evening of getting together and singing you feel so much better.
“The Off-Key Choir is open to people from all walks of life. It is very inclusive.
“Diane and Byron run the choir voluntarily and subs are only to cover the costs of the venue and a drink.
“They are both dedicated to making our choir, for people who cannot sing, to become a company of singers who are now performing in public, at concerts, schools, nursing homes and many more establishments.
“I have been there right from the beginning when Diane advertised in the Southport Visiter newspaper for people to join her to form a choir for people who can’t sing or think they can’t.”
Southport Off-Key Choir is Southport’s only choir purely for non-singers.
They meet on Wednesdays at West Lancs Yacht Club on the Southport seafront. Doors open at 6.45pm for a 7.15pm start. There’s a break for refreshments halfway through and they finish at 8.30pm.
During the first half they sing a variety of songs often with a theme – Motown, Boybands, Swing, etc. During the second half they practice their repertoire of favourite songs for future performances.
All Diane and Byron require from people is energy and enthusiasm for singing, after that whatever sound comes out is fine by them!
They said: “Our motto is that ‘just because you can’t do it, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t!’
“However when we come together as a whole choir there’s safety and support in numbers and we think we happen to sound great! With that in mind we do do public performances – but only when you feel ready.”
“We’re not singers or indeed at all musical, and we aren’t able to teach you to improve. Our aim is just to enjoy the joy of singing and all the physical, mental health and social benefits that it brings.”
The first taster session will be free.
You can find them on Tiktok – southportoffkeychoir.
Their Facebook page is – Offkey Southport
The 2026 Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards celebrated selfless, talented and courageous people across 13 categories at The Grand in Southport on Friday night (24th April 2026).
The Main Award was won by Queenscourt Hospice founder Dr Karen Groves MBE.
The evening was hosted by former Sky Sports News presenter Fraser Dainton with VIP guests including HM Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside Peter Oliver OBE and Mayor of Sefton Cllr Burns, on one of her final engagements to crown her three busy years as Mayor.
Funds were raised on the night for the ICU Steps charity, which supports patients in intensive care and their families.
The Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards are organised by Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group and Stand Up For Southport in association with media partners In Demand Radio with support from Southport BID.
There are 13 categories including Child of Courage, School Of The Year, Community Impact, Charity Champion and more, plus the Main Award.
To submit your nomination for next year’s awards visit: Pride Of Sefton Awards
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Do you need advertising, PR or media support? Please message Andrew Brown or email: [email protected]
