Histon SongbirdsHiston Songbirds
A women’s singing circle in Histon, near Cambridge
A relaxed evening of singing together for women. No experience, no audition, no need to read music. Come as you are, sing, and go home feeling lighter.
About us
Histon Songbirds is a friendly women’s singing circle in the village of Histon, just north of Cambridge. We meet on Mondays during term time to sing together — a mix of harmonies, rounds and uplifting songs.
There are no auditions and no pressure to perform. The songs are taught by ear, in a "call-and-response" style. If you have been meaning to sing again, or to try for the first time, this is a safe place to start.
You do not need to be a singer — all voices are welcome.
The group started in my living room with some close friends and my then tiny daughter (and occassionally my big kid, although he was more interested in the biscuits than the singing!) We sang together with varying degrees of success, sometimes it sounded great….other times it descended into laughter, but we always left feeling energised.
Please note that babies and young children are very welcome to join.
When & where
- When
- Mondays 7.30 pm - 9pm during term time.
- Where
- St Andrew’s Centre
School Hill, Histon
Cambridge CB24 9JEOpen in maps - Getting there
- There is free parking on nearby streets and the Centre is across the road from a number 8 bus stop. The main entrance is step free, however the hall is up one flight of stairs.
- What to bring
- Just yourself. There is a small kitchen for water.
- Upcoming dates
- 5th October, 12th October, 19th October
Full address: St Andrew’s Centre, School Hill, Histon, Cambridge CB24 9JE
Join us
New members are always welcome. Please book your space below. Sessions are free- We welcome donations to help cover the cost of the hall. A contribution of £5 is suggested, but any amount you wish to give is greatly appreciated.
Book your placeQuestions people ask
- What is a Singing circle?
- A singing circle is a community gathering where people sit or stand in a circle and sing together for connection, wellness and shared expression rather than for performance or concert preparation. I try to choose songs which are uplifting, meaningful and leave us with a sense of empowerment to get us through the rest of the week! I am also open to song suggestions in advance or on the day.
- Do I need to be able to sing, or read music?
- No. You do not need to read music or have any training. We learn everything by ear, together.
- What do sessions involve?
- After a short warm up we will sing for 45mins – 1 hour. There will be some time at the end to chat. I’ll bring some different herbal teas and some biscuits. We have the room until 9 pm.
- Do I need to audition?
- Never. There are no auditions and no tryouts. Come as you are.
- I have never sung in a group before. Is that ok?
- Yes! Many of the women who come have not sung since school, or have never sung with other people at all. You will be among friends.
- Can I bring my baby or my children?
- Yes. Babies, toddlers and children are welcome to come along with you. This is a group for women and mothers, and family life is part of it. The hall is quite sparse and quite small. So you might want to bring something to keep them entertained.
- How much does it cost?
- Sessions are free- We welcome donations to help cover the cost of the hall. A contribution of £5 is suggested, but any amount you wish to give is greatly appreciated. I am in the process of exploring community grants to cover the cost of the hall, so that we can keep the sessions free for everyone. If you would like to support this, please get in touch.
- Where exactly do you meet, and is there parking?
- We meet at St Andrew’s Centre on School Hill in Histon (postcode CB24 9JE). The room is up the stairs on the right once you enter the building. Look out for signs! There is free street parking nearby and the Centre is a short walk from the no 8 bus stop.
- Do you meet during the school holidays?
- We run during Cambridgeshire school term time and take a break during the holidays. The booking page lists the dates for the current term.
- I have a question that is not answered here.
- Please get in touch and I will do my best to help.
Get in touch
Questions about coming along, bringing children, or anything else? Send a message and I’ll get back to you.