B Positive choir to perform in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen

The B Positive choir will on Monday (March 11) have the honour of performing at the annual Commonwealth Service in Westminster Abbey, in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen.

The choir was created by NHS Blood and Transplant to raise awareness of blood donation and sickle cell disease, with members having family connections from across the Commonwealth.

The Commonwealth Service is the highlight of all the events held to celebrate the Commonwealth, and the service will be shown live on BBC1 at 3.45pm.

The attendees will include the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (Prince William and Kate) and also the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (Prince Harry and Megan).

B Positive was created because the NHS needs 600 first time blood donors every day, especially young donors and black donors, to help ensure patients get the best matched blood.

Choir Master Colin Anderson, who works for NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “It will be an honour to perform and we hope to inspire more people with roots across the Commonwealth to register as new donors because as our members know all too well, blood donation saves lives.”

Choir members include donors and recipients, people with conditions such as sickle cell anaemia, and people who work with blood. Their family connections include the Commonwealth countries of Ghana, Nigeria, Jamaica, Barbados, St Kitts & Nevis, Anguilla, Mauritius and Montserrat.

The choir reached the 2018 final of Britain’s Got Talent on ITV1, and their campaign continues with performances around the country.

This Commonwealth Service will also feature readings, music and dance, including performances by Alfie Boe and Clean Bandit.

Fergal Keane is presenting the coverage and Sonali Shah will be interviewing honoured guests and participants.