Join The Pink Singers for a lively evening where community, music and activism meet , a free protest song workshop followed by a concert at Oasis Hub Waterloo on 18 July. Sing, learn, and share songs that helped shape movements, from soulful classics to pop anthems, and perform with Europe’s longest-running LGBTQ+ choir.

Essential Takeaways

  • When and where: The workshop runs 17:30–19:00, concert 19:30–21:30 at Oasis Hub Waterloo, London, close to Lambeth North and Waterloo stations.
  • What to expect: A hands-on protest song workshop, then a concert with an eclectic setlist spanning Carl Bean to Madonna to Tracy Chapman.
  • Who can join: Open to the public , the workshop is free and you can perform with the choir, no experience required.
  • Book ahead: Tickets are listed through OutSavvy; options include free and paid tiers.
  • Feeling: Expect warm, community energy, a sense of solidarity and songs that stick in your head.

Why this matters: music as protest and party

Music has always done the heavy lifting when it comes to protest , it rallies, consoles and sometimes even rewrites the headlines. The Pink Singers are tapping into that tradition with an evening that mixes party music and pointed protest songs, which means you’ll leave both humming and thinking. There’s a particular satisfaction in belting a lyric with a roomful of people; it’s louder than a single voice and somehow more honest.

The choir’s event frames protest songs not as history lessons but living pieces of culture. Expect a range that runs from the soulful declarations of civil-rights era music to pop anthems that turned clubs into stages for political feeling. For anyone curious about how melody and message mingle, this is a low-pressure place to find out.

How the night works: workshop, concert, singalong

The format is simple and welcoming: a free community workshop first, then the evening concert. The workshop is designed to teach a protest song together, unpacking why the song mattered and how it’s been used by movements. After a short break, the choir performs a broader set that pulls from different eras and styles.

If you’re shy about singing solo, don’t worry , you’ll get the chance to perform with the choir, not as a polished audition but as part of a communal moment. The practical bit: arrive early to get a good spot, wear comfortable clothes for standing and singing, and bring a water bottle.

What kind of songs will you hear?

Think variety. Their promotional notes promise everything from Carl Bean’s declaration to Madonna’s pop outrage and Tracy Chapman’s haunting storytelling. That mix points to a night that honours both the protest roots of many songs and the lighter, communal thrill of singable pop.

There’s a method to the mash-up: pairing upbeat, familiar tunes with deeper, more contemplative numbers keeps the night emotionally textured. You might leave having rediscovered a lyric or picked up a chorus that suddenly makes your commute feel like a march.

The community angle: more than a concert

The Pink Singers have long combined performance with outreach, and this event doubles as a community builder. Workshops like this give people a chance to learn about the social movements behind songs and to practise singing in a supportive environment. It’s the sort of evening where friendships start at the water cooler and activism follows the chorus.

If you’re part of an LGBTQ+ community, an ally, or simply someone who loves communal singing, this is a neat way to connect. It’s also a reminder that choirs can be civic actors as well as entertainers , they make space for voices that’ve been sidelined.

Practical tips and what to bring

Arrive with your ticket booked via OutSavvy to avoid disappointment, especially if you want a paid option. Wear shoes you can stand in for a couple of hours, bring a reusable water bottle, and consider a light layer , community spaces can run cool. If you’d like to perform, practise the song once or twice at home, but don’t worry if you haven’t; the workshop is built for newcomers.

For anyone travelling from outside central London, Waterloo station is an easy five-minute walk and Lambeth North is right next door. And if you’re nervous about joining, remember: the choir’s recent high-profile gigs show they welcome new voices with open arms.

It’s a small change that can make every voice feel part of something louder.

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