Song to Boost Funds for Longleat’s Bushfire Charity Appeal

Longleat has released a song to help raise money for their bushfire charity appeal.

Featuring a 30-strong choir made up of staff and keepers, ‘Together’ was written by a member of the Longleat team and recorded at the Cheese & Grain studio in Frome.

As well as the choir, it also includes didgeridoos and Aboriginal voices, along with 40 musical instruments and took 120 studio hours to complete. It was originally played as part of a special Australian Summer event last year celebrating all things Australian and marking the opening of Koala Creek at the Wiltshire attraction.

“The song, ‘Together’ was inspired by our partnership with South Australia and to celebrate the arrival of our southern koalas,” said Daisy Mercedes, Longleat’s event manager.

“The use of song has been a means of communication amongst aboriginals for generations and connects people with the land. The lyrics were written to recognise how people in Australia and across the world come together in both good and bad times.

“We feel this is a great way for us all to show our support, help raise awareness and fundraise for the people, wildlife and land affected by the bush fires across Australia,” she added.

The song can be downloaded from iTunes and Google Play. All money raised will go directly to the organisations Longleat is supporting in South Australia. A video, featuring footage from South Australia, the rescue work undertaken by Longleat keepers and the choir recording the song, can also be viewed on Longleat’s YouTube channel.

Since its launch the ‘Longleat Supports Australia's Suffering Wildlife’ charity appeal has raised close to £27,000 for rescue and rehabilitation programmes in South Australia. Last month two Longleat keepers travelled to out to Australia to assist with ongoing rescue efforts from the bushfires.

For more information and to donate to Longleat’s appeal please visit https://www.longleat.co.uk/information/Longleat-Supports-Australia's-Suffering-Wildlife. To watch the ‘Together’ video go to https://youtu.be/u-8i_u7mX6I