An intergenerational choir made up of staff, parents, colleagues, friends and family from across the Formby community has won the Sefton Arts Award sponsored by Fitton Estates at the 2025 Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards.
G:Force Gospel Choir is embedded within the Music Department at Formby High School, contributing to all facets of school life and increasingly drawing in new faces into its open arms.
Originally launched to connect to the school’s work with ‘Sing Up’ and get the community of local teachers singing, it has grown to become a hugely popular fixture at Music Department, Creative Arts, PTA, careers, charity and community events.
The choir was delighted to accept the Sefton Arts Award from Graham Bowling of Fitton Estates at the awards at The Grand in Southport.
Steve Cook the Senior Assistant Headteacher at Formby High School said:
“G:Force Gospel Choir is in huge demand to support local and regional charities.
“They have a strong professional following from their contributions to the UK Choir Festival.
Across the past 12 months, we have contributed to over 18 concerts and events, which is real testament to the dedication, commitment and energy within the group – from staff and participants. The magnetic pull from their performances is infectious and hooks in audiences wherever they go.
“Pre-pandemic, there were over 80 talented members. During lockdown, rehearsals migrated into the virtual world with weekly Zoom sessions to maintain communication, vocal skills and friendships.
“Since returning to normality, the sense of family, well-being and togetherness has become increasingly important. 2022-24 has seen a groundswell of support and expansion to the group, and new members seeking that ‘feelgood factor’ and regular ‘singing for the soul’.
“This ‘school year’, they have already engaged in over 60 hours of joyous singing, performed at numerous events, supported local charities and recorded our debut ‘original’ single.
“G:Force has become more than just another choir – it’s a family unit laughs, jokes and cries together – that supports one another and shares a unique bond between school and community, students and adults.”
Repertoire consists of soul, gospel, R&B, pop and contemporary commissions. Arrangements are tailored by Steve Cook to the group’s distinctive vocal style and abilities.
G:Force contributes to concerts as part of the school calendar and travels around the North West and further afield for events and festivals including the UK Choir Festival.
Supporting local charities is a key feature of its work. A major focus is the Alder Centre (at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital) which holds a unique place in members’ hearts – performances at the annual Candle Service in Liverpool Cathedral provide timely reflection and encouragement to over 2,000 people touched by child bereavement.
Steve said: “We not only support the local community, but allow the community to get involved in valuable ‘in-reach’ back into school, supporting our school careers programme, volunteering at events such as practice interviews, careers fair and bespoke ‘careers breakfasts’.
“We have social workers, nurses and consultants, business managers, teachers and support staff, administrators, counsellors and decorators.
“Others have joined our growing team of exam invigilators, teaching assistants and administrative staff.
“This year, our ‘Just Be More’ single raised over £1,000 for the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, as did our ‘Lights of Love’ Queenscourt single!
“We also supported the Queenscourt Musical Theatre Company raising over £14,000.
“Busy school leaders all need down time and a release from the pressures of the current educational system.
“Times are challenging for schools up and down the country and we have feel the pressure building within our own contexts. For me, the weekly creative release is a welcome break and ‘recharge’, allowing me to stretch my creative muscles, challenge myself to innovate and inspire others AND bring our community into school in so many ways – all which have their own valuable impact.
“The opportunity to stand on stage, lead an ensemble, joke with the audience and showcase some truly talented parents, colleagues and community friends is a real joy – especially knowing that it all adds to the rich, creative tapestry across the school.
“It’s not just a hobby one night after work ends, it’s a magical experience which also brings something unique to Team Formby High.”
The Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards are organised annually by Mikhail Hotel And Leisure Group and Stand Up For Southport with media support from In Demand Radio, with each of the 13 categories sponsored by supportive local businesses.
Over 2,000 nominations were received for this year’s Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards.
Next year’s awards will take place at The Grand on Lord Street in Southport on Friday 24th April 2026.
For more details please email: mediaandrewbrown@gmail.com
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