On Sunday 13th December more than 80 singers from The Urban Vocal Group (UVG) took to the stage to perform their 5th annual concert at Portsmouth Wedgewood Rooms.

66 young singers and 20 adults performed to a packed audience of more than 300 people, with unique arrangements of contemporary songs including ‘Uptown Funk’, ‘Story of my Life’ and ‘Fix You’ as well as original compositions. The group were joined on stage by rising star Jerry Williams who is the group’s patron, to perform her latest single ‘Boy Oh Boy’. The concert featured performances by The Adult UVG, a fee paying group whose profits go back into supporting free music activities for young people.

Alaina, aged 15, has been with the UVG for 10 months, she said: "The Wedge was amazing! Never would I have had the opportunity to do anything as brilliant as that with all these people."

After the concert UVG Director Charlie Fletcher said: “This is the biggest concert that we have ever staged with the largest amount of young people involved. The commitment and enthusiasm of everyone, both on stage and off, was remarkable and testament to the life changing benefits that come from participation in music.”

The UVG are a registered charity and have been running for 8 years offering free vocal tuition, song writing, recording and performance opportunities for young people aged 11 – 18. They are now one of the largest free to access music groups of its kind for young people in the South Coast.

At the end of the night parent Rachelle Cole said: “I loved it, some brilliant song choices and the talent, and sheer glow on the faces, made me enjoy it even more. My children love coming to UVG, a relaxed, fun, organised singing group that make a difference.”

For more information on the groups and how to join please visit www.theuvg.co.uk