Choir Crowned World’s Oldest During Christmas Performance

An ensemble with an average age of 94 has secured a place in the record books, being recognized as the oldest choir globally. Comprising 17 individuals from seven care facilities in Warwickshire, The Prime Timers established a new Guinness World Record during a Christmas carol performance held in Stratford-upon-Avon on Thursday. The vocalists, whose ages range from 87 to 99, performed at the Crowne Plaza Hotel alongside Tony Christie. Actor Sian Reeves, a proponent of music’s therapeutic applications, served as the event’s host. The ensemble’s average age surpasses that of the former record holder, St John’s House in York, by three years; St John’s House had maintained the record since 2013. Prior to the performance, Chris Righton, a 91-year-old member, stated he felt well and experienced no apprehension. He further commented, “You can’t have nerves. You’ve got rid of them all by the time you’re 90.” Righton described achieving the world record as “really quite something for a group of people over 90.” He elaborated, “When we started off with this, I must admit I didn’t take it very seriously but now we’ve got to this end of the event, the chance to do something like this for people who are 90 or more is really exceptional.” Before the occasion, Jasmine Kessey, deputy home manager at Runwood Homes, the organization operating the seven care facilities, reported that rehearsals had progressed smoothly, though she herself felt anxious. She added, “I think everyone else is excited but I’m definitely feeling the pressure right now so fingers crossed we can do it and it will be over soon.” The Prime Timers performed several popular festive songs, such as Jingle Bells, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, and Silent Night. The performance also featured “Christmas Through The Years,” a track composed and launched by The Prime Timers in collaboration with the arts organization Intergenerational Music Making. Subsequently, the choir received their official certificate from Guinness World Records adjudicator Carl Saville. After the official confirmation, Christopher Huddleston, a choir member, remarked, “It’s been a great honour and a remarkable day.” He continued, “Few of us at any age get to have an attempt at a world record, let alone at 90 or more and on the same bill as Tony Christie. It has been quite something.”