Crossings, a community charity that helps smooth the immigrant experience for newcomers to the country and region, was first established in 2009 by Lucy Fairley, a Newcastle University graduate. Earlier this year it took up residence at the Tankerville Place headquarters of Skills for People, a local volunteer group.

Crossings’ regular weekly meetings have spawned a choir, a band and educational workshops in local schools – but it is the choir, which boasts 16 members from a variety of different countries, that will be performing as part of Jesmond Community Festival.

At Jesmond Library, on Monday 12th May, from 6pm, the choir will be performing a variety of songs from around the world, with donations at the door going to Crossings and Friends of the Jesmond Library.