The Town of Aberdeen and the RM of Aberdeen are among more than 30 ‘Aberdeens’ around the world invited to participate online in a global musical fundraiser taking place in Aberdeen, Scotland, later this year.
‘Sing, Sing, Sing!’ is a feel-good choir competition staged annually in November in the northeast Scottish city that raises funds for VSA, a social care charity founded in 1870 that provides homes and services for Scottish seniors and people living with physical and cognitive disabilities (www.vsa.uk.org).
This year’s ‘Sing, Sing, Sing’ event in the city’s historic music hall will be bigger than ever.
Alongside 10 local choirs, organisers are issuing a unique global invitation to choirs located in all the towns or cities called Aberdeen, across the world – from Aberdeen, Scotland, to Aberdeen, South Dakota; Aberdeen, Australia; Aberdeen, Saskatchewan, and beyond.
Now in its 10th year, the event continues to champion togetherness through music while raising awareness and crucial funding for the life-changing social care services VSA delivers across Aberdeen and the North-East of Scotland.
With over 30 Aberdeens worldwide, including 18 in the United States alone, this special “Aberdeen-to-Aberdeen” initiative will unite voices from places that not only share a name but a spirit of connection. Participating choirs will join a global sing-along on the night, with all Aberdeens singing online.
Saskatchewan boasts the only two Aberdeens in Canada. In addition to 18 in the United States, there are also two Aberdeens in Jamaica, and one each in South Africa, Australia, Zimbabwe, Sierra Leone, India, Hong Kong, and Antigua.
‘Sing, Sing, Sing!’ co-founders singer Fiona Kennedy and Musical Director Laura Pike are both excited and delighted to bring ‘Sing, Sing, Sing!’ back for VSA to The Music Hall again. It’s a joyful celebration of songs and community, which has become a much-loved fixture in Aberdeen’s cultural calendar.
“This is something truly special,” says Fiona Kennedy, singer and Honorary President of VSA. “We’re reaching out to our global namesakes – from Aberdeen in Arkansas, to Aberdeen in Australia! I’m amazed at how many Aberdeens there actually are, and we’re really looking forward to connecting with them through song, whilst raising funds for VSA. This could be Aberdeen’s version of the Eurovision Song Contest!”
Laura Pike, Co-founder and Musical Director, adds, “This is what music is all about – connection, confidence, community. And this year, we’re inviting a global family of Aberdeens to be part of something unforgettable.”
Whether you’re cheering from the audience, singing from the stage, or tuning in from an Aberdeen on the other side of the world, ‘Sing, Sing, Sing!’ 2025 promises a night of music, meaning, and global harmony.”
Aberdeen’s Lord Provost David Cameron also adds his support, “Once again in 2025, in collaboration with VSA, Fiona Kennedy and Laura Pike will be delivering this fantastic event which raises funds to support VSA’s vital services.
“What makes this year even more special is the global element, with choirs from other towns and cities named Aberdeen around the world joining in. From Aberdeen in South Dakota to Aberdeen in Australia, this unique international celebration of song will connect communities across continents in a joyful act of unity, all in support of those who need it most here in the North-East of Scotland.”
Choirs of all sizes and abilities from any Aberdeen are encouraged to register their interest now. A digital participation pack – including music, rehearsal materials, and technical guidance – will be provided in advance to all registered groups.
To kick off the celebrations, local choirs will be invited to a launch evening which will be announced after the summer holidays, where they’ll learn more about the event, connect with fellow participants, and get inspired to take part – whether performing live on the Music Hall stage or streaming in from their own hometown of Aberdeen. This year’s event will also feature performances from past winners.
Funds raised from this year’s event will go directly towards Linn Moor School, VSA’s specialist facility for learning disabled children and young people with complex needs, including autism. The goal is to raise £20,000 to support the purchase of essential assistive technologies, including:
• Interactive smart boards
• Tablets and iPads with educational apps
• Sensory projectors
• Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices
• VR headsets for social and emotional learning
• Adaptive switches, eye-tracking devices, and specialised keyboards
• Noise-cancelling headphones
These tools will help transform learning experiences at Linn Moor, improving communication, emotional regulation, and engagement in education for young people with some of the most complex needs in the country.
“This event is one of the shining stars in our fundraising calendar,” says Aimée Anderson, Director of Business Development, Marketing, and Innovation at VSA. “The vulnerable children and adults we support need your help now more than ever. Every ticket sold, every note sung, helps us continue providing much needed care and support. Whether you’re in Aberdeen Scotland or one of our sister Aberdeens, we’d love your help.”
Choirs in any town or city called Aberdeen around the world can register now or find out more at: https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/VSASing2025
About VSA
VSA is a dedicated social care charity supporting individuals and families across the North-East of Scotland, ensuring no-one is left behind. The agency provide essential care through services in learning disability support, residential education for children living with complex and additional support needs, mental health & wellbeing support, care at home, very sheltered housing, elderly care homes, and support for unpaid carers.
For over 155 years, VSA has stood beside the people of Aberdeen City and Shire, offering care, support, and vital services to vulnerable people in our communities as and when they need them.
It supports vulnerable children and adults who are living with:
• Mental health diagnosis
• Learning disabilities
• Loneliness and isolation
• Living with life-long conditions such as Dementia and Parkinson’s
• Complex additional learning and additional support needs
• People who are in recovery from addiction
• Living in extreme poverty (including fuel poverty)
VSA is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of those in need, ensuring they receive the care and support necessary to thrive.