Spartan supporter to sing at cup final

EVO-STIK Northern Premier League Blyth Spartans are looking forward to one of their fans winning a once in a lifetime chance to entertain the footballing world by singing at the FA Cup Final.

Officials at Croft Park are urging their supporters to enter a BBC competition to represent the Premier Division giant-killers in the Songs of Praise FA Cup Fans Choir.

One fan representing each of the 64 teams who made it to this year’s third round will be chosen by the BBC’s Songs of Praise team to sing Abide with Me, backed by the FA Cup Final military band in front of 90,000 people on the hallowed ground on Saturday 30 May.

The competition started taking entries this week ahead of a closing date of March 7 with a panel of judges from the worlds of football, music and journalism looking for stories that reflect the personal memories and passion of the cup from every level of the game. No previous singing experience is required.

First sung at the FA Cup Final in 1927 and a constant fixture ever since, Abide with Me has featured in a number of ways in the pre‐match build up over the years. Originally a conductor, nicknamed "the man in white" led community singing. In recent years a single celebrity singer has performed the song.

David Taviner, Songs of Praise Executive Producer, said: "The chance to sing at Wembley is a dream come true for any football fan and I’m delighted that Songs of Praise are teaming up with The FA to offer this opportunity.

"The performance of Abide with Me is such an iconic moment in FA Cup final day and to be a part of that, at Wembley, in front of 90,000 people, live on BBC One would be something very special indeed."

For more information, including full entry details and terms and conditions, visit: bbc.co.uk/songsofpraise.

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