From Boscombe through Wimborne to Weymouth, established choir groups, pubs, individuals, bands and schools are all undertaking singing in various ways to raise funds for the Dorset disability charity Diverse Abilities.

Members of the public are invited to attend the music events taking place, and most are free – the charity is just asking people to make a small donation during the performance.

A launch event is kicking off the Sing to Raise month-long initiative in Wimborne Square on 3 March between 10am and 5pm, kindly sponsored by Wimborne BID. Nine choirs, including ‘The 6 ‘o’ Clock Choir, will be singing during the day, plus some people the charity supports.

Some other performances throughout March include: live bands playing in Wimborne Town Square, organised by The Polly Morris Band (10 March); live music events at The Boot Inn in Weymouth (6 March) and O’Neill’s Bournemouth (22 and 24 March); tribute act Oasiss at the Famous Old Spa in Weymouth (29 March) plus open-mic nights at Oddfellows in Wimborne (19 March) and Chaplins & Cellar Bar in Boscombe (7 March).

Nicole Warrilow, community fundraiser at Diverse Abilities, explained, “Please come along and support these amazing events in your local community. Each event taking place will raise money for Diverse Abilities and nearly all the events are free to attend. Therefore, we are asking for people to come along and donate generously.”

Paul Thomas, member of the Men in Black band and founder of ‘I can’t believe it’s not a folk club’ entertainment night at the Oddfellows Public House in Wimborne, said, “We are Dorset-based musicians and are delighted to be supporting a Dorset charity, particularly one that does such good work. We love to sing and are glad to be helping with the good work of Diverse Abilities through the Sing to Raise initiative.”