Sainsbury's Dolly Parton flash mob for Comic Relief

Rayleigh Weir Sainsbury’s was briefly taken over by song and joy on Saturday (March, 11) as the Buskerteers Choir descended on the shop for a Comic Relief fundraising stunt.

Two-hundred members of the charity, which has choirs in Rayleigh, Southend, Chelmsford, Maldon and South Woodham, disguised as regular shoppers showed off their singing pipes in a bid to raise £5,000.

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“I wanted to bring some fun and excitement to a standard and day-to-day scenario,” charity founder Andrew Small, 35, said.

'Sold out show' - The supermarket was packed with shoppers and choir members (Image: Buskerteers Choir)

“After I started singing the ‘shoppers’ emerged from the isles and joined in. As the song finished, they dispersed back into the shop leaving everyone else stunned at what had happened.”

Mr Small, a professional musician from Colchester, added: “We got some really funny reactions from people, some were joyously joining in and singing their heart out with us while others seemed a bit miffed at the whole thing.

“As I walked into the shop someone sidled up to me and told me I looked “bloody ridiculous” and “bloody awful” and to be fair, I did look a little funny, but it was all for charity."

Funny looks - Not everyone was amused (Image: Buskerteers Choir)

Every year the choir, which has raised £80,000 for various charities since its inception in 2020, do something fun for Comic Relief.

In the first year the choir did a lockdown video of Queen’s “I Want to Break Free”, but with most of the pandemic restrictions now gone, the group opted for Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5 as life returns to normal.

'Back stage' - Andrew dresses in the parking lot (Image: Buskerteers Choir)

Mr Small said: “I started the choir because I wanted to give back to the community and love working with music. I love bringing people together and using it to help other people and have fun doing.

Great fun - Staff and shoppers alike joined in (Image: Buskerteers Choir)

“We are on a mission to raise £1 million for charity from busking and performing.

“It’s an all-inclusive community group; anyone can join without an audition or any previous musical experience.”

Not fussed - But the show wasn't everyone's cup of tea (Image: Buskerteers Choir)

To donate, visit: www.justgiving.com/page/andrew-small-1678288182499