THE African Children’s Choir (ACC) are to perform two concerts in town this month, hosted by Basingstoke Community Churches.    

The ACC is composed of African children, aged seven to 10 years old. Many have lost one or both parents through the devastation of war, famine and disease.

The choir was started by Ray Barnett, who, over 25 years ago, was on a humanitarian trip to war-torn Uganda when he gave a small boy a ride from his decimated home to the safety of another village.

During the journey, the child did what he knew how to do best – he sang. That simple song of dignity and hope became the catalyst for a programme that has changed the lives of thousands of children and reshaped the future of the African continent.

Since the, the ACC’s have performed in 38 different countries and in venues as varied as the Royal Albert Hall and major film sets.

They have sung for the Queen and with Paul McCartney and Mariah Carey, in addition to a performance alongside the Military Wives at the Diamond Jubilee Concert in 2012.

The proceeds of their tours, and the sponsorship support they attract, fund a programme of literacy schools.

See the ACC in Aldworth School on Friday, April 25 and Saturday 26 at 7pm.

Tickets priced £5 for adults, £3 for concessions and children, are available from Basingstoke Community Churches Office on 01256 316000 or on the door on the night.