Choirs from across Kingston gathered in the town centre on Sunday to celebrate the Olympics by taking part in the Big Sing.

The event – part of Kingston’s Cultural Olympiad programme – saw groups of singers performing at various busking sites throughout the afternoon before joining together to entertain shoppers in the Market Place.

The Big Sing was led by international gospel singer, conductor and composer Ken Burton who gave a workshop at All Saints Church for the 750 singers taking part.

Among the choirs were Coombe Girls, the Heart and Soul Choir, Latchmere Adult and Children, Tiffin Boys School, Kingston Rock Choir, Singing It Back, Thames Youth Choir, Canbury Singers, Corpus Christi School Choir, Christ Church New Malden, Hollyfield School choir and Burlington Junior School.

Dawn Reay, acting head of music for Kingston Music Service, said: “The event was a huge success. Ken Burton was inspiring and all the choirs sang their hearts out.

“The Market Place was buzzing with positive energy inspired by the lyrics of Lifting me Higher, one of the songs performed by all 750 voices. The Big Sing proved that singing is about heart and soul and can be enjoyed by everyone.”

Simon Ferris, who teaches music at Tiffin School and Tiffin Girls, was commissioned to compose the anthem.

Guardian Spirit Dancing Flame was premiered in the Market Place by 75 singers from Tiffin School and Thames Heath Choir.