How music is bringing people together during lockdown

A singer from Swansea said the lockdown has given her a "chance to connect with people" as she holds regular live performances online to audiences of 100,000.

Shellyann Evans, who was the winner of the TV programme 'All Together Now', said her world has been "turned upside down" because of the pandemic.

She said: "Everything has been cancelled, it's totally changed. One minute I'm travelling to different places around the world to sing, then it all stopped."

Despite this, Shellyann has been trying to focus on the positives.

"We feel very lucky to be ok at the moment and we're doing all we can to stay safe."

Shellyann said the lockdown has given her a chance to connect with the people who have been "a great support network".

"My virtual family has now grown, some incredible people, we catch up everyday for a chat. Some people live alone so it's great, it's company for us all and I can try help them stay positive."

She has been doing live performances online from difference rooms in her house.

Shellyann said part of the reason she wanted to keep performing was to raise funds for the NHS, care workers and other key workers.

She said: "It's the only way I know how really to help and do my bit for the public. I'm forever grateful to the people at risk everyday. They are real life superheroes.

"I find it heartwarming that we are coming together at a time of need, the public on my Facebook lives donate and it's so nice as we feel, as a virtual family we can help a little."

The Swansea singer has done several live performances from her garden and initially she was concerned that she may have had a complaint from a neighbour.

"As I sang my first song and I could hear a voice shouting from the behind my garden. I was worried and asked on the mic, is it too loud?

"The woman shouted back, no turn it up!

"Since then, she now and again shouts requests over the fence and the children are always dancing and singing along from their own gardens."

The Welsh singer performs live online every Wednesday and Saturday at 8pm.

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