SINGERS of all abilities are sought to help raise the roof of Oxford’s New Theatre — and raise thousands of pounds for charity at the same time.

It is the second time Sheridan Edward, 29, of Headington, has organised a ‘come and sing’ event in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

Inspired by his late mother Julie Edward, who died of cancer aged 56 in 2009 and had organised a similar event in Rutland months before her death, Mr Edward brought 300 singers to Oxford Town Hall in June 2010 and raised £7,500.

This time he has set his sights higher and is aiming for 800 singers with a fundraising target of £15,000 for the event on Sunday, October 30.

And as an extra draw, the event will include performances from soprano Dame Felicity Lott, 2011 Cardiff Singer of the World finalist Anna Leese and Royal Opera House regular Richard Wiegold before the scratch choir takes to the stage for a performances of Faure’s Requiem.

Mr Edward said: “It’s going to be on a much bigger scale. “As well as the come and sing part of the concert, we have also got lots of performances from really big names in the classical world so it’s going to be an even more impressive occasion.”

David Lawrence, who conducted last year’s event, will again be picking up the baton and leading the singers.

He holds the Guinness World Record for conducting the UK’s largest choir of 7,000 singers.

Mr Edward joined in the event last year — with all the singers having just an afternoon to rehearse before performing the same evening — singing with the tenors.

He said: “It was a really, really fantastic day.

“The atmosphere was wonderful and we had so much feedback from singers saying we should do it again, we thought we really had to.”

Macmillan fundraising manager Julian Knowles said: “I am delighted Sheridan has chosen to support us in such a harmonious way.

“This will help Macmillan to continue to fund our vital services and help even more families across Oxfordshire.”

Singing tickets costing £12.40 and audience tickets costing £18.75 can be bought at www.ticketmaster.co.uk or by calling 0844 8440444.

fbardsley@oxfordmail.co.uk