World's oldest choir celebrate World Record alongside singing legend Tony Christie at West Midlands concert
It was a day of celebration for a West Midlands choir as they sang alongside a legendary singer on their way to breaking a world record.
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The Prime Timers, a 17-strong choir, whose members are between 87 and 99 years old and has an average age of 94, were crowned the ‘World’s Oldest Choir’ by Guinness World Records on Thursday after performing a Christmas carol concert in Stratford-Upon-Avon,
The choir is made up of residents from seven care homes in Warwickshire run by Runwood Homes, who came together to break the record during a Christmas carol concert at the Crowne Plaza Hotel’s Grand Ballroom in Stratford-Upon-Avon.
The concert was compèred by actor Sian Reeves who advocates for therapeutic use of music, particularly in care homes.
Watched on by family and friends, The Prime Timers sang traditional festive favourites such as Jingle Bells and We Wish You A Merry Christmas, alongside joining Music for Dementia ambassador and singing legend Tony Christie, in a poignant rendition of Silent Night.
The concert included Christmas Through The Years, a song written and released by The Prime Timers alongside Intergenerational Music Making.
The previous GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the World’s Oldest Choir was held by St John’s House in York since April 2013, which had 13 members and an average age of 91.
While some members of the choir were born in the West Midlands, others come from as far and wide as Glasgow and London.
91-year-old Sheila Barnett is a Prime Timers choir member who sang in a choir in Bridgetown for almost 40 years and said it’s “an honour” to be in this choir.
She said: “I think it makes you happy if you can sing, and even if people don’t sing very well, it doesn’t matter.
"You can still sing along. Whatever you do, just sing.”
Carl Saville, adjudicator for Guinness World Records, said: “After reviewing the relevant documents and criteria, and witnessing the attempt today, I was delighted to announce The Prime Timers the new Guinness World Records’ holders for the world's oldest choir.
"A massive congratulations to the whole team at Runwood Homes who spent many months planning and preparing for the events, as well as the amazing choir.”
Sarah Metcalfe, Managing Director at Music for Dementia, which has been supporting this record attempt, said: “The Primer Timers are proof you’re never too old to join a choir.
"Music for Dementia has loved working with them on their record attempt and now we’re encouraging everyone to join a choir in 2025, especially if you’re living with dementia or caring for someone who has it.
“Singing is proven to lift your mood and improve lung health, and music can help manage dementia symptoms like anxiety.
"All while making friends and getting out of the house.
"We’ve put a fun quiz on our website to help people find the best choir for them, plus information and advice for any care homes that want to set up their own choir. Music brings a care home alive.”
When The Primer Timers aren’t smashing records, they’ve been in the studio recording their new Christmas song, produced in partnership with the not-for-profit organisation Intergenerational Music Making.
The song Christmas Through The Years, is now available for sale on Bandcamp for £1, with proceeds going to local dementia charity, Warwickshire Reminiscence Action Project.
Charlotte Miller, Founder of Intergenerational Music Making, said: “Writing Christmas Through The Years with Runwood’s residents and staff has been a truly moving experience.
"It’s a beautiful reminder of how music can transcend generations, sparking conversations, evoking cherished memories, and fostering a profound sense of connection.
"Runwood and its choirs embody the power of care homes to create vibrant, inclusive communities where music becomes a bridge to shared stories, companionship, and joy—reducing isolation and enriching lives.
“To celebrate, Intergenerational Music Making is backing the call to Join A Choir in 2025 by launching their Together with Music Choir, a space where everyone, no matter their age or background, is encouraged to come together through the joy of music.
"We warmly invite people of all ages to join us and be part of this exciting journey."
