A BASINGSTOKE church choir has spoken of their pride after singing at King Charles III’s coronation ceremony. 

Basingstoke Filipino Choir, who usually sing at Saint Bede's Church in Popley, were among the choir performing at the ceremony at Windsor Castle on Sunday, May 7.

But it all started with a phone call that almost didn't happen.

When the Basingstoke Filipino Choir received a message from a BBC producer inviting them to apply to sing at the coronation, they were sceptical.

READ MORE: Residents have a great time celebrating the King's Coronation - in pictures

"We first thought it was a scam," said Vina Estrada, one of the founders of the choir.

"So we googled his name and we couldn’t find anything. So, we phoned him. And we had a conversation."

As it turns out, the call was real, and the choir was selected from among 18 groups around the UK to perform on the East Lawn of Windsor Castle.

The 300-voice strong coronation choir was made up of refugee choirs, NHS choirs, LGBTQ+ singing groups, and deaf singing choirs, with the Basingstoke Filipino Choir representing their community with pride.

Basingstoke Gazette: Basingstoke Filipino Choir members after singing at the King's Coronation concert in Windsor CastleBasingstoke Filipino Choir members after singing at the King's Coronation concert in Windsor Castle (Image: Contributed)

The choir, which has been the serving choir at Saint Bede’s parish church for over 20 years, was formed after one of its members decided they wanted to recreate the kind of church choir she grew up with in the Philippines.

"We were homesick. And the parish chaplain who was also a Filipino suggested that we form a Filipino choir," Vina said.

Today, the choir has 26 members, ranging in age from 15 to 61.

They are led by Vina's husband Aga Estrada.

SEE ALSO: Ex-Women's Royal Navy Service officer recalls meeting King Charles

"We're still here," said Vina of the choir's longevity.

"Members have come and gone. Some have migrated to other countries or moved to other counties. But we're still here."

And now they can add performing at a royal coronation to their long list of accomplishments.

Ahead of the coronation performance, they were coached by renowned choirmaster Gareth Malone.

As for the experience itself, Vina described it as “absolutely amazing, overwhelming.

“And it was great to be part of this historic event. So we are honoured and privileged," she added.