SHOPPERS were stunned as 200-strong flashmob emerged from supermarket aisles to join rousing rendition of Dolly Parton’s hit song 9 to 5.

Rayleigh Weir Sainsbury’s was briefly taken over by song and joy on Saturday (March, 11) as the Buskerteers Choir descended on the shop for a Comic Relief fundraising stunt.

Two-hundred members of the charity, which has choirs in Rayleigh, Southend, Chelmsford, Maldon and South Woodham, disguised as regular shoppers showed off their singing pipes in a bid to raise £5,000.

“I wanted to bring some fun and excitement to a standard and day-to-day scenario,” charity founder Andrew Small, 35, from Colchester said.

Gazette: 'Sold out show' - The supermarket was packed with shoppers and choir members'Sold out show' - The supermarket was packed with shoppers and choir members (Image: Buskerteers Choir)

“After I started singing the ‘shoppers’ emerged from the isles and joined in. As the song finished, they dispersed back into the shop leaving everyone else stunned at what had happened.”

 


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Mr Small, a professional musician from Colchester, added: “We got some really funny reactions from people, some were joyously joining in and singing their heart out with us while others seemed a bit miffed at the whole thing.

“As I walked into the shop someone sidled up to me and told me I looked “bloody ridiculous” and “bloody awful” and to be fair, I did look a little funny, but it was all for charity."

Gazette: Funny looks - Not everyone was amusedFunny looks - Not everyone was amused (Image: Buskerteers Choir)

Every year the choir, which has raised £80,000 for various charities since its inception in 2020, do something fun for Comic Relief.

In the first year the choir did a lockdown video of Queen’s “I Want to Break Free”, but with most of the pandemic restrictions now gone, the group opted for Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5 as life returns to normal.

Gazette: 'Back stage' - Andrew dresses in the parking lot'Back stage' - Andrew dresses in the parking lot (Image: Buskerteers Choir)

Mr Small said: “I started the choir because I wanted to give back to the community and love working with music. I love bringing people together and using it to help other people and have fun doing.

Gazette: Great fun - Staff and shoppers alike joined inGreat fun - Staff and shoppers alike joined in (Image: Buskerteers Choir)

“We are on a mission to raise £1 million for charity from busking and performing.

“It’s an all-inclusive community group; anyone can join without an audition or any previous musical experience.”

Gazette: Not fussed - But the show wasn't everyone's cup of teaNot fussed - But the show wasn't everyone's cup of tea (Image: Buskerteers Choir)

To donate, visit: www.justgiving.com/page/andrew-small-1678288182499