SongCycle was formed in 1996 following the four founder members first combined entry into the “Friend’s
of Essex Churches
Sponsored Cycle ride” when as well as raising money for charity by cycling from
church to church, they sang a different four part motet in each one and have continued to do so every year, having raised over £45,000 to date. Since inception SongCycle has progressed to singing in a variety of styles which is not barbershop, but ‘à la King’s Singers’ and their repertoire ranges from the sacred motets and canticles which they sing in cathedrals and churches to popular music by composers such as Lennon and McCartney and Billy Joel. "Their renditions of ‘Postman Pat’ and ‘Bob the Builder’ are certainly not to be missed, and you will always be guaranteed good professional entertainment”, a sentiment heartily endorsed by John, Bishop of Chelmsford, after they performed at his retirement party in the spring of 2003. The group are or were all members of the Parish Choir of St Thomas of Canterbury, Brentwood, and together with their passion for singing, they have a liking for real ale, good food and wine. SongCycle has sung in Bath Abbey, Exeter, Wells, Chichester, Guildford, Salisbury, St Davids, Truro and St Edmundsbury Cathedrals as well as Sherborne Abbey and will be adding St. Albans, Winchester and Rochester Cathedrals to their list this year. They have also sung the services in numerous churches and chapels and entertained thousands of people at secular concerts throught the country. Over the years they have broadcast on local radio stations and in 2007 appeared on BBC's Songs of Praise with Aled Jones.