THROUGHOUT March, a number of Dorset community groups are hosting music events as part of the Diverse Abilities’ Sing to Raise initiative.

Choir groups, pubs, individuals, bands and schools are all singing in various ways to raise funds for the Dorset disability charity.

Most of the events are free, the charity is just asking people to make a small donation during the performance. The month-long Sing to Raise initiative kicks off in Wimborne Square on Saturday between 10am and 5pm, sponsored by Wimborne BID. Nine choirs, including, The 6 ‘o’ Clock Choir, will be singing during the day.

Other performances throughout March include: live bands playing in Wimborne Town Square, organised by The Polly Morris Band, on March 10, live music events at O’Neill’s Bournemouth on March 22 and March 24, plus open mic nights at Oddfellows in Wimborne, March 19, and Chaplins and Cellar Bar in Boscombe on March 7.

Nicole Warrilow, community fundraiser at Diverse Abilities, said: “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, founder of, I Can’t Believe it’s not a Folk Club at the Oddfellows in Wimborne, added: “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.”

See diverseabilities.org.uk/sing or call Nicole on 01202 718266.