COMMUNITY choir ‘Seaton Acapella’ performed at Beer Quarry caves on Saturday 18th May 2024, two back-to-back sell-out crowds.

This is the second time this amateur choir has performed in the unique venue and having learned from previous experience that their popularity would sell tickets fast, they were right in making the decision to perform twice in one day, drawing in crowds of just over 180 people in total.

This concert was in collaboration with another Devon-based music group “The Sea Gals”, a small all female shanty singing troop from Totnes.

‘Music in the Caves 2’ was an opportunity for the groups to raise money for the RNLI Seaton & Beer District branch, a charity very close to their heart and to celebrate the 200th Anniversary Year of the RNLI being formed by Sir William Hillary.

The concerts were a huge success with the audience, not only musically but also in raising £1,134 from ticket sales for the RNLI plus an extra £19.60 in donations on the day collected by their local RNLI volunteers.

Being so close to Beer beach and raising money for the lifeboats, the theme of the music was nautical with songs of the sea and waterways, showcasing a varied programme chosen by their musical director Ellie Walker.

She said: “We were so grateful to be invited back to perform at the Beer Quarry caves again, the acoustics there are otherworldly and create such a breathtaking performance space, how could we say no?

"The choir had over 40 performers on the day and sounded beautiful following lots of hard work and dedication from them to learn the material.

"I'm and continue to be very proud of everything they achieve. Also huge thanks must go to The Sea Gals for supporting us at this concert, they sounded mesmerising.”

A choir spokesman said: “We are astounded by the level of support from our local community and are so appreciative to everyone who came to watch us sing and generously gave their money towards such a worthwhile cause.”

Wendy Cummins, the secretary of the Seaton Beer and District Branch said: "We extend its grateful thanks to Seaton Acapella for the wonderful donation. The atmosphere was magical and we loved the singing of songs by Seaton Acapella and The Sea Gals. We also thank Beer Quarry Caves for hosting the performances.

“In 2023 RNLI lifeboats launched 9,192 times, 10,734 people aided, 269 lives saved and 29 people were aided per day. The proceeds from Music In The Caves 2 has raised funds towards the cost of a drysuit £805, thermal suit £150, helmet £359 and gloves £25 for an Inshore Lifeboat crew member.”

“The support to our branch of the RNLI and RNLI Headquarters is greatly appreciated by us in this special 200th Anniversary Year.”

For more information, or to join the amateur musical group visit their website.