Almost 1,000 singers from 40 individual choirs around the UK descended into Kendal in celebration of harmony singing, community choirs and political change.

The Kendal Street Choirs festival was hosted by local community choir Lakeland Voices and involved concerts, singing workshop and a massed singing practice for the largest choir in the UK to perform.

Singers from all around the world gathered outside the Brewery Arts Centre where they were greeted by the Mayor of Kendal and Councillor Julia Dunlop, who told them about the town’s council projects including the Climate Change Jury and working with refugee support groups.

International acclaimed folk singer Anna Tabbush led the singers in her welcome song for refugees, Lucky Moyo from Zimbabwe taught a traditional African song with his acapella singing Uzambezi group, and Polona Florijancic from Ljubljana helped singers with their pronunciation of the Slovenian national anthem Zdaryljica.

Other songs celebrated the journey throughout history towards social justice and universal suffrage and included the Chartist Anthem and Sing John Ball.

After performing at the Arts Centres, the choirs then performed for free at the Birdcage, the Market Place, Finkle Street and Wainwright’s Yard.

David Burbidge, director of the festival who also leads Lakeland Voices, said: “Our visiting singers were all delighted to be here in Kendal and said they were very touched by the warm welcome given to the by the town.

“We are also very grateful to the management at the Kendal Leisure Centre and the Brewery Arts Centre, as well as South Lakes District Council and Kendal Town Council, for their assistance in making our festival such a great success.

“As well as being very disciplined singers, the 40 visiting choirs all have similar values including internationalism, cooperation, environmentalism and equality.

“Some sing at protests against social injustice and against activities that create climate change. Others represent gay rights, and support charities working to help the homeless, and those with mental health issues. They could all be described as “choirs of conscience.”

The event will be held in Sheffield next year where singers will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the festival.