Shoppers were singing the praises of the latest attraction designed to boost custom at Accrington Market Hall.
Visitors, including Observer reporter Jon Macpherson, grabbed the chance to sing along with soldiers in the new karaoke booth.
The wooden booth, named The Soldier’s Song, arrived in the market earlier this week and bosses say it aims to give people a ‘fresh perspective’ on those serving in the military.
One of the first people to show off their vocal skills was Danny Doyle who served for 20 years in the armed forces including the Irish Guards.
The 80-year-old from Baxenden said: “It’s a good idea and it’s good fun to do.”
Trader Simon Dawson, who runs the art shop Re-Creation 21, said: “It’s good to see something different and hopefully it will bring more people in and spending money.”
Project developer Renny O’Shea, of theatre and performance company Quarantine, said she was delighted
to see the booth come to Hyndburn.
She said: “I think the Market Hall space will be a lovely venue and it will fit really nice there.
“It has a great atmosphere and it’s a place where people visit, hang out and relax.
I hope that we get people coming down from all walks of life from serious art enthusiasts to people buying their spuds.”
The Soldier’s Song was developed over 18 months with six men and two women agreeing to be filmed performing.
Some of the songs include ‘Angels’ by Robbie Williams, ‘I’ve got you under my skin’ by Frank Sinatra, ‘Rose Garden’ by Dolly Parton and ‘Please Release Me’ by Engelbert Humperdinck.
The booth will be at the Market Hall until Wednesday, May 1 from 9.45am to 4.45pm.
