MILLIONS of viewers tuned in to watch ITV documentary The Choir that Rocks, which told the story of Rock Choir members across the country preparing for a mass concert at Wembley Arena. Gazette chief reporter Emily Roberts writes about her experience of being a Rock Choir member, and what it was like singing at the world-famous venue.

SINGING at Wembley Arena is not something many people can say they have done.

But now 8,000 people – including myself – can after being given the once-in-a-lifetime chance of performing at the iconic venue.

After attending dozens of shows at Wembley Arena in my teenage years, I was bubbling with excitement when my Rock Choir leader Glen Harvey announced that the venue had been booked exclusively for Rock Choir members to perform.

I joined Rock Choir in January, and after my first session, I was hooked.

I have always loved singing, but unfortunately not everyone has been encouraging, and at school my confidence was knocked when a teacher made me mouth the words because she said I was slightly out of tune.

Rock Choir gave me the chance to sing out loud again, enjoy it, and be proud of what we all achieve together.

The buzz from building up a song from start to finish, and hearing what we can achieve in just one 90-minute session is amazing, and I leave on a high every week. And that is with just 120 members. I could not imagine what it would be like singing with 8,000.

As May 15 rapidly approached, I practised the songs in my car, at home and anywhere else I had the chance.

Although I wasn’t performing on stage, I knew the ITV film crew would be there, and wanted to make sure I was singing the right words and doing the correct moves in case I was caught on camera.

Two coachloads of Basingstoke Rock Choir members made their way to Wembley on the big day, all with our matching T-shirts on and ready to sing our well- rehearsed tunes.

As soon as the opening song Let Me Entertain You began, performed by Rock Choir leaders from across the country, I knew it was going to be an afternoon to remember.

Coronation Street actress Deborah Stephenson took to the stage to sing the solo parts for two Abba songs, before The Soldiers joined us for Don’t Let the Sun go Down on Me.

As one of the first songs I learned at Rock Choir, the moment was both emotional and empowering.

A representative from Missing People then spoke to us about the charity, before every member held up a picture of a missing child. The arena fell silent as we all thought about the shocking facts we had just heard.

Then, Caroline Redman Lusher, founder of Rock Choir, dedicated Something Inside So Strong to the charity, before all 8,000 members rose to their feet to sing.

I took a moment to pause to listen to the incredible sound that filled the arena. Feeling lucky to be part of something so moving and inspiring, I didn’t want it to end, even though my voice was telling me otherwise.

I left on a high, with memories I can share with my new Rock Choir friends – the only ones who really understand the spine-tingling feeling of performing at Wembley.

*You can hear the Basingstoke Rock Choir perform on home territory when they appear at The Anvil on July 20 at 8pm.

Tickets are available from the box office on 01256 844244 or online at anvilarts.org.uk.