YOU only have to look at the photograph above to see that for this group of people singing is a delight. As it should be.

It is also very informal and open to all. Sacred Harp singing is back in the Holme Valley this weekend.

Though rooted in the USA, its popularity continues to grown here with many sessions held at festivals and other music events across the country.

It has become a regular feature on Holmfirth’s music calendar and tomorrow (March 23), there will be another opportunity to sing Sacred Harp in the town..

This popular event is back, the venue is Wooldale Community Centre from 10.30am to 4pm or, as one of those taking part said: “Until we are exhausted!”

Just to show you how popular this style of singing is, the recent Cork Convention was attended by singers from 18 USA states as well as from Germany, Poland, Holland, Lithuania, France, Canada, Scotland – plus several singers fromYorkshire.

Tomorrow’s event follows the by now familiar pattern with singing all morning until a break for lunch which will be a feast of food contributed to and shared by all.

Drinks will be provided and a collection will be taken to cover expenses.

Shape Note or Sacred Harp singing (also known as fasola singing) is done around a hollow square

Tenors face altos and trebles face basses and everyone joins in the singing.

This style of singing stems from singing schools in the colonial period preserved in the rural South of America and is a non-denominational community musical event emphasising participation, not performance.

Each individual is invited to take a turn ‘leading.’ At this point, they stand in the centre, select a song, and beat time with the hand.

The singing is not accompanied by harps or any other instrument whatever its name might imply.

The music is printed in notes where the different shape of the note head indicates the syllables FA, SOL, LA and MI.

Expect a broad repertoire of music including psalm tunes, fuging tunes, odes and anthems by the first American composers (1770-1810), and settings of folk songs and revival hymns (1810-1860).

Most singings last from about ten in the morning till three in the afternoon, with an hour break at noon for lunch.

The shapes of the music are designed to help singers learn to read this particular kind of music. In the first instance however you’ll find that you follow your neighbour and start to pick up your part by the second or third verse.

Even if you only admit to singing in the bath you will be surprised at how good the singing sounds when there are lots of singers in the room all raising their voices high!

There is no need to be able to sight-read music, to have a good voice and there is no audition – just turn up and sing.

For further information contact Cath Ingham on 01484 687227 or email c.b.ingham@btinternet.com