English Cathedral Singers Call For Re-Think On Singing Restrictions

English Cathedral singers have added their voices to growing criticism of the Government’s restrictions on singing.

While many areas of life have re-opened, only six people can sing together indoors under remaining restrictions, affecting amateur choirs up and down the country.

The Very Rev Adrian Dorber, Chair of the Association of English Cathedrals, said the measures were “draconian” and “punitive” considering that sports stadiums and pubs have all been allowed to re-open.

The Government has restricted communal singing indoors because of concerns that it creates a greater risk of transmission.

Its website says that “singing, shouting and physical activity increases the risk of transmission through small droplets and aerosols”.

But Rev Dorber argued that public singing could be conducted safely.

“Music is a vital part of church worship, it brings a richness to the liturgy, our services can become flat and monotone without congregational singing,” he said.

“We appreciate public health concerns but now that sport stadiums can have fans, pubs and bars are open again and more and more of us are vaccinated, it seems punitive of the authorities to stamp down on singing especially on amateur choirs and church congregations.

“There is very little definite, published and properly peer-reviewed evidence to support these draconian measures.