The Vikings are coming!!
Since their formation 30 years ago the Mixed Voice Choir of Valur, Reykjavik have travelled all over Europe spreading their vocal talents far and wide to good effect.
Tonight they are coming to East Belfast. Why East Belfast?
It is a long story but one built on friendship. Back in 1977, Glentoran faced Valur in the old European Cup. On that trip to Belfast, Valur made many friends, many of which have remained and indeed strengthened over the years. One such friendship is the one that has saw Halldor Einarsson, a Valur player that night, and sportswear manufacturer, supply retro Glentoran kits for the Glentoran Community Trust. From that contact, Halldor also a leading member of the Valur Choir has been the instigator in bringing the choir to East Belfast for a very special night to mark the choirs 30th Anniversary and in doing so cement the bond that exists between our two countries.
Tonight, at 7pm, the Valur Mixed Voice Choir will hold a free concert in the Skainos Centre Newtownards Road. This wonderful new venue in the heart of East Belfast will proudly host this unique event, when the Valur Choir of around 40 Men and Women will perform totally free of charge. The 'Raven Micks' will also be performing at this concert.
Although a free concert, a special collection will be held on the night, in aid of the Leah Batchelor Fund. As you may have seen in the recent BBC programme, Leah suffered a massive stroke that left a victim of the Locked in Syndrome, leaving her in a paralysed state, only able to communicate by eye movements.
Leah, showing tremendous inner strength and courage has been making a miraculous recovery, as she fights back against this debilitating syndrome. Slowly but surely she is fighting back but she still requires a lot of specialised treatment and also her home requires a lot of adaption to suit her needs , to make her life easier.
When Halldor and the choir heard of this and of her links to Glentoran through her brother Ryan, they wholeheartedly agreed to the concert being used as a special fundraising event for Leah.
Please show your support by coming down and attending what will surely be a truly unique experience. Remember it is totally free to attend and above all your presence on the night would be greatly appreciated by everyone concerned.
See you then.
This event is supported by the Glentoran Supporters Committee (1923) and the Glentoran Community Trust.
