Just be perfectly you

Meet Anna Swannell, the name behind numerous community music ventures, including the inclusive Keep Going Choir, and Long Marston’s open mic nights.

Sitting at a bar in Watford at the age of 21, Anna Swannell felt completely lost. It was there that a friend offered some supportive words: ‘Keep going, kid’. It became a mantra for her to live by, and many years later it inspired the name of her Keep Going Choir, set up after Covid to encourage singing for wellbeing.

Anna takes on a number of roles within the local community; musician, singer, vocal coach, choir leader, comedian and volunteer. And they all have something in common: it’s all about connection, bringing joy and creating a safe place for people to be ‘perfectly them’.

Anna grew up in Watford, and her move to rural Wilstone in 2014 with a new baby was a big adjustment. Without a car, she spent her days walking to the village shop by the canal, baby in tow. There, she connected with the dog walkers and boaters, many of whom now frequent her popular open mic nights at Long Marston pub The Queen’s Head.

The open mics are inclusive and warm, with Anna the greatest cheerleader for all the performers. She describes it as a huge privilege to watch people transform from being petrified to gigging regularly and thriving in their own musical circles.

Despite a career in music spanning over 20 years, Anna had always struggled with anxiety. Overcoming her own fears inspired her to form the Keep Going Choir. During lockdown, she moved her open mic night to an online platform, and realised that then, more than ever, people needed music to feel connected.

When the world slowly reopened, the Keep Going Choir was born, initially with only a few nervous people, singing while socially distancing. The choir slowly grew, both in confidence and in numbers. Now Anna leads two thriving choirs in Wilstone and Northchurch.

Anna has one simple rule for her choir members: ‘You don’t have to be the perfect singer. You just have to be perfectly you.’ Since the choir’s creation, it has supported countless women (and one very appreciated man) to confidently use their voices, becoming a safe space for people to be themselves and providing comfort for members through difficult times. The choirs have also performed together to raise thousands of pounds for local charities, while also bringing music to care homes, local events and proud family and friends.

One choir member speaks fondly about what being a part of the choir means to her: ‘Anna is a very special, non-judgemental, motivating person, and embraces everyone’s needs. We have gained confidence and the strength to perform, always feeling joy singing together and being supported by such a lovely leader.’

Anna’s pride in the choir’s collective power is clear: ‘Everyone is one voice and it’s so powerful when they sing together, everyone is equal in the choir.’

When she’s not busy with one of her many creative pursuits, Anna can often be found volunteering in the Wilstone Community Shop. The shop was a lifeline for her in her early days in the village and throughout the pandemic, providing the essentials along with a friendly smile and a warm greeting. She’s keen to give back wherever she can to the community that is now home – a community she describes as quirky and big hearted, much like her.

She knows her drive to help others is partly due to self-preservation. By doing something for others during her own difficult days, she finds a way to keep going herself. In turn, she no doubt inspires others to do the same. She also hopes to show her children that life is ‘all about kindness and love’ rather than money or status.

Anna is organising a series of music events involving local talent this summer, which will also raise money for local charities.

You can email Anna at annaswannell@gmail.com, and to follow her projects, including the Keep Going Choir, head to her Instagram @anna_swannell_music_comedy.