Skip to content
Menu

Come and sing Messiah at the Iron Cathedral: A unique community singing event

Posted on: Wednesday, May 6, 2026

St Mary Magdalene’s Director of Music, Stephen Bullamore, on behalf of Vocology, is bringing an exciting new singing experience to the East Midlands. 

Vocology, a recently established musical collective, aims to host high quality singing events in unique venues throughout the East Midlands. Their upcoming event, ‘Come and Sing Messiah’, invites singers of all levels to gather in the iconic ‘Iron Cathedral’ at Clipstone Headstocks on Saturday 16 May for a spectacular show in a unique venue.

Event details

  • Date: Saturday 16 May
  • Time: 10am until 4pm
  • Location: Clipstone Headstocks, East Midlands

Programme for the day

  • 10:00 – Registration and refreshments
  • 10:30–11:25 – Session 1
  • 11:45–12:45 – Session 2
  • Lunch break (bring your own picnic)
  • 13:45–14:30 – Session 3
  • 14:45–15:00 – Run through with musicians and soloists

The final run through will feature string players, solo singers from Vocology, and local trumpeter Nathan Bray, who also coordinates the Newark and Sherwood District Council Alive with Music programme which looks at promoting the benefits of music to the community.

Tickets

Tickets are available via Eventbrite here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/come-and-sing-messiah-in-the-iron-cathedral-tickets-1985227131792

Participants will enjoy a day of singing a selection of Handel’s much-loved choruses from Messiah, led by Mark Wilde, an experienced singing leader renowned for performances in industrial spaces.

Funds will support future events similar to this happening in the future.

Sales end on Saturday 16 May 2026.

Stephen Bullamore, Director of Music at Newark Parish Church, said: “Clipstone Headstocks is an awe-inspiring place, and it will be a wonderful experience making music together in there.

“I very much hope that this will be the start of something bigger, with regular events happening around the East Midlands and around the Newark and Sherwood district.”

Councillor Rowan Cozens, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture and the Arts at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said:  “After our Alive With Music launch last year along with the UK record breaking 101 piano event in November 2025, the feedback we received shows that music and music-making is important to people across our district. People use it to get together, to feel better and to share joy!

“This fantastic community event will bring together like-minded individuals, giving them time to focus on the beauty of music and the many wellbeing benefits that it brings.  It also provides an opportunity to shine a light on the creative sector and the incredible impact that music has on lives while also providing a fantastic opportunity for singers to sing in a unique venue.

“This event is a great example of the wider community and ecosystem of our district working and supporting one another.”

Councillor Susan Crosby, Portfolio Holder for Health, Wellbeing and Leisure at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “Music can make a real positive difference on people’s lives. Events like this bring people together and anyone, no matter your singing ability, can join in. Music not only lifts your spirits, but it brings people together. I hope many will join this event and make it memorable.”