A COMMUNITY choir has helped spread festive cheer overseas after visiting Christmas markets in Belgium.

VoxSonix is a community choir based in Newbury and Tadley, with an ethos to give back to the community through fundraising or supporting local events. The choir also helps to bring together people with the common interest of singing in a supportive environment.

This December, VoxSonix went to spread its community support overseas for the first time to visit the Christmas markets in Belgium.

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Basingstoke Gazette: VoxSonix visited Belgium in December to sing at a number of events VoxSonix visited Belgium in December to sing at a number of events (Image: VoxSonix)

The main focus of the tour was to perform popular Christmas classics at festive events which the choir did in Ypres and Diksmuide.

Singers made new bonds with fellow singers over a Gluhwein, hot chocolate, or the free marshmallow toasting on offer, as well as chatting with local residents attending the events.

The highlight of the trip for the choir came at Menin Gate. Every night in Ypres, locals hold a Last Post Ceremony to commemorate the fallen soldiers of the First World War. 

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VoxSonix were invited to perform a piece as part of this poignant ceremony and sang Bring Him Home from the musical Les Mis after the minute’s silence before the final Revielle by the buglers.

Choir and VoxSonix member, Viv, said: "It was such a privilege to be front and centre of this daily ceremony of remembrance. It was incredibly moving and something I’ll never forget."

Anyone looking to get involved with VoxSonix can do so by visiting voxsonix.co.uk.