A CHOIR with a difference is preparing to perform at the annual Radcliffe carnival – but not with instruments and sheet music.
The South Nottinghamshire Academy Signing Choir has wowed audiences up and down the country with its sign language renditions of classic songs over the past year.
The group from Radcliffe has performed at Wembley and Birmingham's LG arena and is now looking forward to entertaining crowds closer to home at Saturday's Radcliffe carnival.
Hattie Lord, 12, joined the choir because she was inspired by her older sister's performances with the group.
She said: "The choir, including my sister, did a performance at last year's Radcliffe carnival. I was inspired by it and decided to join with my friends.
"Now, I've learned so many words in sign language and I think it is such an important skill. It helps you communicate in all sorts of situations."
The choir will perform songs ranging from Gary Barlow's Sing to a Coldplay medley and Emily Sande's Next Time at the carnival, which is to be held throughout the village with a theme of myths and legends.
There will be a parade, stalls and activities for all ages.
Nick Entwisle who is a teacher at the academy and assists the choir with its practices said the group was much loved in the local community.
He said: "The choir was set up following the success of a Year 7 activity which taught students basic skills in British Sign Language (BSL). A group of students asked if they could continue with signing sessions.
"So, Simon Astill, who is deaf and has a passion for signing to music, stepped in to set up the choir.
"I have assisted him over the last year as I have deaf friends and have learnt sign language myself.
"Every time we perform, we get encouragement from the community and the parents are very supportive. Many students have asked if they could gain qualifications in BSL in the future."
The next big show for the choir will be another performance at Wembley in March next year.
Choir member Amber Eadie, 13, said she loved being part of the group.
She said: "It is really fun to be in the choir because it is something different and exciting.
"After every performance, I feel like I have achieved something and I have a proud glow.
"Our performances are a spectacle because we do it in rounds with choreographed movements around the stage. I hope lots of people come and see us at the carnival."
