Amy Macdonald surprises community choir as The National Lottery marks £1B of funding in Glasgow

Two days before the opening ceremony of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, members of Singergie, a National Lottery funded community choir, performed a 20-minute set in Kelvingrove's iconic Centre Hall to an audience of hundreds, closing with Amy's anthem “This Is the Life”. 

As the song concluded, Amy appeared in the Hall to the delight of the choir and onlookers gathered, later speaking with choir members about the power of music to bring communities together, what music means to the city of Glasgow, and her own career and connection to it.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow’s most popular free attraction, has benefited from more than £12 million of National Lottery funding to support a major refurbishment. Singergie has over 1,000 members and offers a welcoming and inclusive space that has a positive impact on their wellbeing, with no audition required to join.  It’s most recent National Lottery grant for £15, 497  in 2025 has enabled the choir to continue with no charge to its members. 

National Lottery funding across Glasgow has surpassed £1 billion through more than 14,000 grants, supporting arts and culture, heritage, sport and community projects in every part of the city since the National Lottery began in 1994.

As Glasgow prepares to host the Commonwealth Games, the impact of that long-term support is visible everywhere. National Lottery players have helped fund three of the four Games venues, including Scotstoun Stadium, Tollcross International Swimming Centre and Glasgow International Arena, as well as many of the city's museums and galleries, and a new small grants programme helping communities celebrate the Games in their own way.

Amy Macdonald said: “Walking into such a special Glasgow venue to hear this amazing group of people singing one of my own songs is a moment to treasure. “This Is The Life” took on a whole new meaning today. 

“Glasgow made me who I am, and the power of music forms so much of what makes this city special. 

“Places like Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum and groups like Singergie are at the heart of what makes Glasgow brilliant. They’re there thanks to funding made possible by National Lottery players, supporting arts, heritage and community projects like this. Because of you, these moments can happen, people can come together, and Glasgow’s culture is for everyone to share.”

Kay Morrison, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life said: “Few places capture the spirit of Glasgow quite like Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. It has welcomed generations of people through its doors and remains one of Scotland's most loved cultural landmarks.

“National Lottery funding has played an important role in helping us preserve and develop this remarkable building and its collections, ensuring they continue to inspire Glaswegians and visitors alike. Singergie performing in the Centre Hall, before being joined by Amy Macdonald, is a wonderful reminder of the vital role music and culture play in bringing people together."

Caroline Clark, The National Lottery Heritage Fund Director of Scotland, said: “Glasgow’s first National Lottery award was given out in January 1995 to support a touring theatre company in Govan. More than 30 years on, National Lottery investment into this historic, creative and dynamic city continues to reach every corner and every community. 

“That long-term support, made possible by National Lottery players, sustains the grassroots groups, arts organisations, sports programmes, museums, historic buildings and green spaces that shape Glasgow’s identity and strengthen its communities.

“Its impact was clear today at Kelvingrove, a much-loved Glasgow icon, where Singergie’s performance, joined by Amy Macdonald, brought to life the enduring connection between music, place and community.”

Lynne Jack, founder of Singergie, said: "When we set out 20 chairs for our very first session, I never imagined Singergie would grow into nine choirs and a community of over 1,000 people.

"To perform in the beautiful Kelvingrove – a building which defines Glasgow's cultural identity – was a moment Singergie will never forget. Of course, seeing Amy appear as we sang 'This Is the Life' made the moment all the more special!

"National Lottery funding has been central to keeping us exactly as we set out to be – free, welcoming, and open to everyone, with absolutely no barriers to joining. So many of our members came to us feeling isolated or lacking confidence and have found a place to belong. Because of National Lottery players, we get to keep giving people that opportunity.”