THE BIG READ Urban Vocal Group: 'It's all about creating confident young people'

The members of UVG rehearsing for their Portsmouth Guildhall concert at The Wedgewood Rooms

AS the voices swell as the song reaches its climax, you can see the rapt expressions on the choir members' faces.

The young woman nails the solo before another member takes over, and then the massed ranks return for the final chorus. Lost in the moment, the enjoyment is plain for all to see.

In recent years choral singing has had something of a renaissance thanks to the popularity of people like Gareth Malone and hisÂ accompanying prime time TV shows.

Amba Tremain and Charlie Fletcher, the co-founders of UVG

But this is the Urban Vocal Group, which began expressly to give youngsters free access to singing andÂ is celebrating its 10th anniversaryÂ in 2018. And tomorrow they will be putting on their biggest headlining concert to date at Portsmouth Guildhall.

The event will be a celebration of the charity's work and will feature more thanÂ 150Â singers accompanied by a house band and special guests, Most Wanted Street Dance.

The UVG, a registered charity since 2013, provides free access to group vocals, songwriting, recording, instrument tuition and industry training

Musicians Amba Tremain and Charlie Fletcher founded the group in 2008. They first met whileÂ both teaching at Park Community School in Leigh ParkÂ and Charlie had the idea of creating a vocal group which would be open to any young person who wanted to sing, regardless of ability or personal circumstances.

Lost in the moment - rehearsing at The Wedgewood Rooms

Charlie says: 'I wanted it to be free to access and to be different from other choirs with a more contemporary vocal style and repertoire.

'The idea was to attract young people who would not normally have the confidence or inclination to take part in group singing and to use it as a gateway to further participation in music.'

The Urban Vocal Group's first session took place in Havant with eight people in January 2008.

Since then hundreds have passed through its ranks.

The groups have performed at venues and events including Victorious Festival, The New Theatre Royal and The Wedgewood Rooms. In 2011 they even had the privilege of performing at The House of Commons. They have also recorded and released twoÂ group EPs.

The UVG works in areas of Portsmouth and Havant defined as disadvantaged where there is limited access to music-making activities and this has enabled them to tap into talent that may otherwise be overlooked whileÂ also building community spirit and developing personal and social skills in young people.

They offer work experience and volunteering opportunities to support education and employment prospects and have recruited threeÂ apprentices and twoÂ music leaders from within the groups.